Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the establishment of the Cabinet committee on infrastructure. I will highlight a couple of key projects in my constituency of Carlow-Kilkenny. The first is the Kilkenny northern ring road extension, completion of which is of vital strategic importance to Kilkenny. It will help to reduce congestion in the city centre and improve traffic safety and convenience. Lots of projects are ongoing in Kilkenny city and the completion of the ring road is vital to these progressing. I ask that this project be included in the updated NDP and fast-tracked accordingly for the development of the city.

The Ceann Comhairle will be aware that the Waterford to Glenmore road project has stalled in recent years. The scheme needs to be reviewed and progressed with funding made available. Safety is of massive importance here. Unfortunately, there was a tragic fatality on this road recently. I offer my condolences to the family of the deceased.

Funding needs to be provided for the final phase of the N24 Waterford to Cahir road. Road safety needs to be improved along this road. A number of bypasses need to be provided in places such as Mooncoin. This infrastructure is strategically important for the south east as a region.

In the programme for Government I note there is going to be a significant increase in funding for the local improvement scheme, LIS, and community involvement scheme, CIS. I spoke to a constituent in Kilkenny who has been on the list for the last three years. On current levels of funding they will, please God, get their lane done within the next ten to 12 years, according to the engineer. Additional funding for these schemes would be most welcome.

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