Dáil debates

Wednesday, 18 November 2020

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate

Road Projects

2:15 pm

Photo of Michael CreedMichael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his response. It is in the context of the review of the NDP that it is appropriate to consider this matter. A very significant commitment of funding for construction is not sought at this stage but it is critical that the preparatory work is done now. In the context of that review and the projects that will then find their way into planning, I ask the Minister to have an open mind in respect of this project. We are bedevilled by numerous examples of failing to plan and failing to see what is imminent and ahead of us. With the completion of the Ballincollig bypass on one end and the Macroom and Ballymakeera bypass on the other, this is the last link of the N22 requiring investment. The extraordinarily positive cost-benefit analysis carried out for the Macroom-Ballyvourney route would be replicated if an analysis of this route was carried out because it represents the completion of the investment on the N22. Its completion would enable more sustainable living and commuting patterns to develop. I anticipate, for example, that Macroom will grow substantially following the investment already made but it will not grow to its full extent without ultimate investment in this stretch of roadway. There are numerous calls on TII to invest significant funding in major junctions along the existing stretch of road but, to be honest, that approach would only be a sticking plaster. We need the new road and, above all else, we now need the preparatory work so that at a point in the not-too-distant future we will be ready to go to construction. I ask that the Minister keep an open mind about that and enable us to move at the appropriate time by doing the preparatory work now. The route corridor has been identified. It is now merely a question of committing resources within TII. It has the expertise and it is very good at what it does. We must commit the resources now to plan for the construction of this road.

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