Mr. Dominic Mullaney:

There are two parts to be considered in answering the Deputy's question. First, there is the funding that TII provides for national roads, which ultimately comes from the Department but which is managed by TII in conjunction with the councils. Second, there is the funding for regional and local roads. This is administered directly by the Department and issued by the Minister every year. Approximately 90% of the funding for regional and local roads is dedicated to protection and renewal whereas the split for TII-funded roads, including national roads, in 2020 was quite different. Perhaps half of this money went on protection and renewal while the other half went on new works. Decisions on projects are made in conjunction with the Department when a national development plan is being drawn up and major projects are being looked at. As time goes on, projects are prioritised as they go through the various stages of the public spending code. If other factors need to be taken into account, such as access to a port or a location being on a Trans-European Transport Network, TEN-T, route, which are core European routes, certain commitments may be made. Such commitments have been made in respect of Foynes and Ringaskiddy. Those roads have to be done by 2030. These factors are all taken into account. I am not sure if that answers Deputy Dillon's question.