Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I have given the chequebook for transport to the Minister, Deputy Ryan, and it is a large chequebook because he has a budget of €35 billion out to 2030 for transport-related capital projects. The national development plan is not intended to be an exhaustive list of every project that will happen in the coming decade. It is a high-level budgetary framework for our public capital investment plans over the next period of time.

I am aware of the calls and the need for a bypass of Tipperary town. Deputy McGrath has made the point and Deputy Cahill has raised it with me consistently. The Minister, Deputy Ryan, is especially anxious to see the development of bypasses over the coming years. I would like to see the plan developed. If it is brought forward, it will then be a question of providing the funding. There is a very large envelope which will be divided between maintenance of the existing network, approximately €3.6 billion for active travel measures, and new investment in public transport and in road infrastructure. It is about getting the project ready to the point it can absorb capital.

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