Dáil debates
Thursday, 5 October 2023
Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions
Road Projects
9:15 am
Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source
I appreciate that and I understand that there was a change in emphasis but that is not what I am talking about here. I am talking about a change in the mechanism allowing Transport Infrastructure Ireland to deliver these projects. It is finding that it is complicated by the phased system in place which is delaying the delivery of these roads. The Minister spoke about the increase in costs and the doubling of the cost of the Ballaghaderreen project. That will continue to happen if once the process of initiating getting the road built has happened, it cannot move it along at pace. Those projects are being delayed and those delays are leading to an increase in costs as well as a delay in the delivery of the project which can have a risk for the people who use the roads.
We clearly need a review of the mechanism and how the funds are being drawn down. The phased process in place now is hindering the possibility of delivering these roads at a reasonable speed and a better cost for the public. I appreciate what the Minister has said that there has been a change, but the change in that particular aspect has been negative for everyone concerned.
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