Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy for raising this matter. The Government recognises that the road is an essential link between Cork and Kerry. It has been approved in principle in the plan, as Deputy Healy-Rae is aware. It already has full statutory approval and advance works have been carried out. There has been a solid commitment of funding since 2014 to undertake and deliver advance works.

Clearly, within the context of capital planning this is a high priority. It is one of possibly three top priorities in the Cork Kerry region recognised by Government. It is a major project though, covering 22 km and requiring €160 million of investment. It is approved in principle. Clearly, as the project develops it will have high priority. The Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, Deputy Coveney, and the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Creed, have emphasised this point and have met representatives of Transport Infrastructure Ireland in that context.

It is good that the Deputy continues to raise the matter because it continues to emphasise the priority. Ultimately, however, we have to work with capital plan to enable us to fund a balanced range of projects. Clearly this project will be considered high priority as we make our expenditure commitments in the context of the capital review.

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