Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

There is a commitment in the programme for Government to more investment in economic, regional and social infrastructure but there do not appear to be any legal guarantees for schemes and funding already agreed. In County Louth, the N52 Ardee bypass was earmarked for funding by Transport Infrastructure Ireland. Local communities, which have grown in recent years and will be seriously and adversely impacted by the realignment project, have called for the original scheme to be modified. Following on from considerable campaigning with Louth County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland, I welcome that a technical review of the scheme and the junction arrangements linked to the N52 bypass has been agreed. The review is to allow the project team time to consider the issues fully, which include a national heritage area and the growth of the local community.

However, we have been told that the funding for this may be redirected to other projects, which would be a grievous mistake. This funding should be legally guaranteed. Ardee needs this bypass. It has been in the pipeline for more than 13 years so will the Tánaiste give a commitment or ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to give a commitment that money set aside will be ring fenced until the review is completed? We are talking about 13 years. If the money is not there, it will be put back for another five to ten years.

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