Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The only decision made has been to allocate funding for 2023. No decision has been made for 2024. That decision will be made later in the year for every national road in the national development plan. I want to give clarity on that. Having met with the council, I know there is a poor safety record on the N17. The Deputy is also correct that this road is important for healthcare, regional connectivity and the local economy in the north west. That is why it is in the national development plan. As part of the Atlantic corridor, the project will assist in the delivery of a high quality network linking Cork, Limerick, Galway and Sligo. It provides enhanced regional accessibility and access to international markets via Ireland West Airport Knock. Through provision of improved infrastructure, this project will support commercial growth and investment in the area, including the Ireland West Airport Knock strategic development zone. The project has an important role in the national development plan as part of regional spatial strategies. That is clearly why it is set out in the plan.

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