Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I understand that the Deputy is trying to keep the momentum going on this project. He can see the starting line and wants to get the diggers on site. The initial works began on 24 September and were scheduled to take five weeks. We are in that space now and once that work is complete the ESB will go on site. I have no doubt that the Deputy will use his influence at a local level to try to ensure that happens as quickly as possible and raising the matter in the House tonight will do the project no harm. The OPW is proceeding with the pre-qualification process for contractors for the main works and published a notice on the e-tenders website on 4 October. According to the information I have been given, the pre-qualification process takes between six and eight weeks. While I cannot guarantee that the process will be finished this side of Christmas, I can say that the Department understands the importance of this project to the local community in Kanturk. This project has been in the pipeline since 2012. The journey has been a long one and the community wants to get it over the line. We are in a space now where everything is coming together. Funding for the project is committed for this year and next so there should be no delay. I will speak to my officials directly to make sure it is moved along as quickly as possible.

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