Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)

I accept the project has taken a considerable length of time. I know the value of such a road, as I am familiar with the area and the towns affected. I have been subject to delays there on many occasions in my current job and previous ones. The scheme is valuable, but, unfortunately, given the economic environment, as the Deputy is aware, funding is an issue. However, we are working with the NRA to consider every single avenue from a funding perspective. No stone will be left unturned to find a solution to the problem.

No change is envisaged on the issue of tolling. There is no plan to toll the road and no indication that there will be a change of mind in that regard. The economic logic behind such a proposal would not stand up to scrutiny.

It was suggested work on the 57 km stretch of road could be carried out on a phased basis, but I envisage the ultimate goal would be to complete the entire length, encompassing the towns to be bypassed, because the sum of the parts would be more valuable than any one part on its own and it would be of more benefit if the work was done in one go. As the Deputy is well aware, when that will be is something on which we will continue to work.

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