Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

The two preferred tenderers are in place. As soon as the planning and tendering processes have concluded, the cost-benefit appraisal will be carried out. Once it proves positive, which I am certain will be the case, construction will commence.

Any contracts we have signed must be honoured and those projects will continue. As to which projects might fall foul of the economic circumstances if they do not improve, I will decide nearer the time. In deference to our time limits, I will not name all of the projects listed in Transport 21, but I intend to continue providing money for planning and to make them shovel ready. At that stage, we will make the decisions in light of the economic circumstances.

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