Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will use half of my available time and leave the remainder for the Minister. Roads have been the topic of debate for the past week or so. I welcome the announcement of the Limerick road but a road in my constituency of Cork North-Central has been a topic of debate for approximately 25 years. I refer to the north ring road in Cork city. Great work is being done on the north side of Cork city with the rolling out of the Cork metropolitan area draft transport strategy, CMATS, which would provide for railway and cycling infrastructure on the north side of Cork city. Will the Minister comment on the status of the north ring road and where it might go?

I also ask about PCR testing. I welcome the circumstances in which Government is changing with the virus in that it is bringing in further restrictions, testing and quarantines. I listened to the Tánaiste on RTÉ Radio 1 yesterday indicating that, where possible, a two-island approach would be sought with PCR testing and quarantine. Given that the British have this week announced a fairly stringent regime and draconian measures - although some may be required and welcome - what is the view of the Minister, given that the Tánaiste was indicating that a two-island strategy may be the best way to approach the matter?

In the programme for Government, 20% of overall capital funding of roads was to be designated for active travel transport initiatives, walking and cycling infrastructure. Will the Minister elaborate on that 20% provision? Is it a requirement on all capital programmes from now or will it be specific to certain plans?

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