Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

LIHAF is primarily aimed at the activation of sites for housing development that may not otherwise be viable and is not in and of itself a traffic management measure. This LIHAF project will provide the essential infrastructure to realise the full potential of the lands in the south-east quadrant of Maynooth for housing provision and assist in alleviating traffic congestion in the town. While I acknowledge that there may be other traffic congestion issues due to the current road and construction works in the area, traffic management in Maynooth is the responsibility, as the Deputy knows, of Kildare County Council. As such, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further.

In respect of the N4 Maynooth to Leixlip project, which is not part of the LIHAF-supported project, I understand that this is a section of the transport network to be progressed through pre-appraisal and early planning and prioritised for delivery under the National Development Plan 2018-2027. Kildare County Council has advised that the project is in the early stages of phase 1, concept and feasibility, and is in the process of procuring technical advisers to support the delivery of the project through phases 1 to 4.

As I indicated, the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government has already engaged with Kildare County Council and will continue to do so in order to progress this important infrastructural project in Maynooth. This Government is also committed to delivering a thriving, modern housing system and we are making steady progress to activate housing delivery nationally through the activation of sites under the local infrastructure housing activation fund.

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