Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

I understand that, in common with all of these projects, a number of routes were laid out for consultation and such consultations continue. The RPA has indicated clearly, subject to normal procurement rules and regulations, that it will make funding available for residents to get their own technical advice. There have been difficulties in recent weeks in making contact with a member of the residents' group to set up a meeting and I hope by the end of the day to have some information on a meeting between the RPA and the residents.

I have received an assurance that the RPA wants to facilitate residents to the greatest possible extent. No matter what it does, not everyone will be satisfied and whatever route is chosen, it will pass beneath some houses, businesses and other buildings. Residents wish to minimise that and I have no problem with that. As the Deputy said, there has been a breakdown in trust between the two groups and the quicker it can be restored, the better for everyone. As both Deputies point out, this project is needed because people on the north side of Dublin wish to see it secured. I will do all I can to advance that.

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