Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I take the Deputy's point with regard to clarity on what is meant by the first half of the year. I cannot deliver that clarity right now. I will engage with the Minister, Deputy Ryan, and ask him to come back with some more clarity on that particular point. It is important to note that the route selection element is being progressed. TII is actively progressing it and is engaging with Limerick City and County Council and providing money to undertake those design and research elements of the project. It is recognised that this project has the potential to address the safety issues on the route, issues of connectivity between our second and third cities more widely, and wider issues in respect of economic development. The project will form part of the further development of the Atlantic economic corridor and further subsequent connections to west Cork and Kerry. As I have said, that route selection element is to take place in the first half of next year. We will seek further clarity on that for the Deputy. The business case is coming to Government. Even in my own Department, when we have these big projects we have to make business cases. Of course, that is appropriate to ensure that public money is used wisely. Everyone recognises that the N20 is a strategically important route. It is recognised that the route is not fully fit for purpose at present. We have to address those safety issues and make the route more efficient with regard to journey times. Those goals will be progressed through the strategy outlined.

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