Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

As I have indicated previously, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII, in conjunction with the relevant road authority, is responsible for the implementation of individual road projects.

I acknowledge the Deputy has particular concerns about the section of the N24 near Piltown and has raised this issue with me on a regular basis. I also visited the area to see this section of road for myself.

I understand that the Deputy was also able to raise his concerns directly with the chief executive of TII during the recent Committee of Public Accounts discussion on TII's 2016 financial statements.

As the Deputy knows, TII has provided funding to Kilkenny County Council to implement some interim safety improvement measures at the Inkbottle junction and the Tower Road junction. I understand from TII that these safety works are substantially completed, with the exception of some additional signage that will be in place by the end of this month.

As well as these short-term measures, the appraisal of long-term options relating to upgrading this section of road and the provision of an overbridge has been under way. TII has indicated that this work has progressed to the point where Kilkenny County Council has tendered for consultancy services relating to the proposed upgrade. It is understood that the Council received tenders on 10 November 2017 and that the council is carrying out a tender assessment with a view to submitting a recommendation to TII for approval before the end of the year.

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