Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am going to read the response. Due to the outlined funding constraints for national roads in 2020 to 2023, a prioritisation exercise was necessary. In line with the NDP and Government policy, the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, has allocated national road funding for 2023 in a manner which seeks to achieve the following key outcomes: protection and renewal of the existing national road network, progressing major projects in or near construction, progressing major projects which are pre-construction but well advanced in the development pipeline and prioritising any remaining funds for major projects which provide for local bypasses and compact growth in Ireland's towns and villages. The allocations for national roads projects in 2024 are expected to be announced by the end of the year. I would take from this that the issue raised by the Deputy falls under the fourth category. However, at the same time it feels like a bit of a lottery system. When he meets with TII next week, that is one of the points the Deputy would need to make. In my opinion, it also answers that piece. It is a market town and a major point of connectivity between Cork and Limerick. I am glad the Deputy included Galway. It is that part of the critical infrastructure of the western seaboard that needs to be developed. People's safety is paramount.

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