Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I may disappoint the Deputy in some ways. I take his point about Fassaroe and the 3,000 houses, which is important. He will, however, have to understand that the competing demands are overwhelming sometimes and it is difficult. I cannot just come to the House and say, "Yes, you are going jump the queue". This morning, I met a delegation from Meath, which raised similar problems. This is a country-wide issue and does not only affect Dublin. I understand the case the Deputy has made. The TII has acknowledged the problems he has identified in its report and it has addressed them but the problem is funding and priority. It is something that we will undoubtedly address in the future. The order in which projects is decided will be subject to the appraisal required under the public spending code. My Department examines the cost and urgency of projects on a regular basis and it will decide in co-operation with the NTA, stakeholders and myself which are the priorities. I take the points the Deputy has made. Five phases are planned for the N11-M11. The first phase is being addressed and if he wishes, I will meet him and discuss that with him. I apologise if I have not replied to requests for meetings with him. Of course, I will meet him. That must be some hitch in the system. I am happy to do that and I hope he will acknowledge that we will regard this as a problem which is a matter of urgency but along with many other problems which are matters of similar urgency on our roads.

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