Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his question as it raises several important points, including the issue of road safety. I think the Deputy will acknowledge that the focus of the Government needs to be on delivering the national development plan as announced in 2021 and in line with the prioritisation outlined in the approved NDP. In that regard, I have no doubt he will welcome the recent opening of the N22 Macroom to Baile Bhuirne scheme, which provides improved connectivity along the Cork-Kerry economic corridor. This hugely significant project demonstrates the Government’s commitment to delivering the NDP and is one of three national roads projects to be completed this year. These projects are being funded through the €5.1 billion allocated under the NDP for new roads projects out to 2030, with almost €3 billion allocated for the protection and renewal of the existing national roads network over the same period.

The N22 Macroom to Ballincollig improvement scheme has not been identified as a project for progression under the new NDP to 2030. The scheme was suspended in the late 2000s due to funding constraints and it remains suspended. Given the competing demands on funding, it is unlikely that TII will be in a position to progress this project in the near future. However, I understand TII has had discussions with Cork County Council regarding safety concerns in relation to certain junctions on the Macroom to Ballincollig section of the N22, and TII will consider any formal proposals for interventions submitted by Cork County Council.

A safety enhancement scheme is being advanced at Castlemore, at the junction between the N22 and R585, and TII expects that Cork County Council will submit a report on this junction in the near future. I assure the Deputy that such safety interventions are an essential part of TII’s protection and renewal programme for national roads.

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