Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Earlier, when answering other questions, both the Minister of State, Deputy Canney, and I were talking about the genuine importance of delivery during the term of this Government. We have many plans and strategies. We have seen improvements in our road network but the focus has got to be on delivering on projects.

The point the Deputy made on multi-annual funding for roads is one I agree with. It is not within my gift alone or that of the Minister of State, Deputy Canney, to provide the funding but we want to determine how we can advance it. It would give certainty to the part of the construction sector concerned, such that it could see a pipeline of work and scale towards doing what is required. That was my experience in the Department of housing. Multi-annual funding is important because it gives certainty regarding investment. It means people have work and can take on people. It means they will see a pipeline of significant works. I am more than confident that we will see a very significant improvement in our road network over the term of this Government. We are determined to achieve this. I have already discussed with officials the need to examine the next phase of road projects with a view to funding on multi-annual basis.

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