Ms Geraldine Fitzpatrick:

As the Cathaoirleach has set out, the N24 between Cahir and Limerick is more advanced than the other section from Waterford to Cahir. That project is progressing through the process. We anticipate it will go in for gate 1, which is approval to go to planning, next year.

For the section from Cahir to Waterford, money was an issue for the last number of years and progress has been slower. The county council has written to us seeking approval to go to the next phase. It has identified the preferred solution for the project and will submit a request to us for approval to go to the next phase. We would anticipate that subject to funding, which is to be advised to TII later this month, we will be in a position to give approval to go to the next phase, which is the more detailed level of design. It is progressing. It is probably a year to a year and a half behind the first section. We fully acknowledge that this project is needed to address issues in Cahir and the other section is needed to address issues in Tipperary and all the towns and villages along the route. I hope that when the sectoral plan is announced and the funding is confirmed, we will be able to provide more clarity.