Ossian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I believe the Minister for Transport visited east Cork and perhaps Midleton as well at the time of the event. It was not for a photo op but to discuss directly with people how this was affecting them because as the Deputy knows himself, that is the only way to understand what the problem is and how to address it. As I said, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, the county council and the Department of Transport are working together on this. The €350,000 has already been transferred from the Department for immediate works but it takes some time for the extent of the works needed to come to light. I am not sure, and I do not know from this answer, whether the council has submitted a request for funding or whether there is an amount of funding, or if it is ready to do that yet. What I have to go on is a statement that early in the new year new funds will be allocated to fix bridges and fix roads. I imagine they will be the highest priority. How could they not be? We have to have our bridges and roads in order.

The Deputy said that significant funding would require a Cabinet decision. That may not be the case. The Department of Transport has significant funding, as do the council and TII. It may be possible to proceed with the works without a Cabinet decision. If a Cabinet decision is made, a number of Cabinet members represent Cork. I am sure they will look favourably on what is required there.

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