Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate the opportunity to speak on this issue. It is something I have raised here on numerous occasions over the last five and a half years. I did so with my colleague, the Minister, Deputy Michael Creed, on a number of occasions on Topical Issues and during Question Time. It was really good news to learn last year that the N22 was being put on the capital plan for 2016 to 2021. It was very positive. Various dates are being thrown about now for the start of this vital socioeconomic project for the entire south-west region. A date of 2022 was given to Cork councillors by TII; a date of 2020 was given to the chief executive of Kerry County Council by TII; and, at the most recent meeting of the transport committee, the Department indicated a date of post 2018-2019. Can the Minister give us an indication of what the date will be and if this matter will be prioritised? Logistically, from an engineering point of view, the N22 is a far more straightforward project than the Dunkettle project, which was referred to, or the Ringaskiddy road. There is no reason this road cannot go ahead in the very near future. There is no reason it cannot be started by the end of 2017. It is nearly shovel-ready. The need is well proven. From a socioeconomic point of view it would be a massive boost to the entire region. Figures I obtained last year from the NRA showed that there had been 41 fatalities since 1990 on this stretch of road, so the reasons are compelling. We need the Minister to ensure this is a priority project. When the capital plan was announced I went to the people of Kerry in good faith to tell them this road was on the capital plan, and my objective is to get it built as soon as possible. The Minister could help us with this and make sure it is a priority project. That is why I am raising it here today.

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