Jerry Buttimer (Cork South-Central, Fine Gael)

I thank the Deputy for the question and for his ongoing advocacy for his county of Laois. The Government has earmarked approximately €5.1 billion for investment in new national roads projects between 2021 and 2030 and a further €2.9 billion for the protection and renewal of the network. I can confirm that approximately €600 million of Exchequer capital funding was provided to local authorities through TII for national roads in 2025.

Regarding the Mountmellick bypass, in 2022 Laois County Council concluded the preliminary appraisal of options process in relation to a bypass of the town. However, a proposed bypass of Mountmellick, unfortunately for Deputy Aird, is not included among the projects that are identified for development during current NDP and therefore, it was not possible to advance the proposed project at that time.

The Portlaoise northern orbital route project was originally proposed during the 2000s and was to be funded by private developers at the time. However, following the subsequent recession and the funding stream no longer being available, the project was not progressed. While it is referenced by Laois County Council in its draft local area plan, it was not included in the current NDP due to issues of funding.

With regard to the progression of projects such as these, it is important to point out to the Deputy and the House that it is for the local authority, in the first instance, to engage with TII. I assure the Deputy that Department of Transport officials and TII will give any proposal for the progression of these projects full consideration. All projects, including those listed in the NDP or any revision to the NDP, require statutory approval and compliance with the infrastructure guidelines. The programme for Government contains a commitment to increase funding for new roads as part of the NDP review. This would include funding for town bypasses, such as those outlined by Deputy Aird, which improve regional connectivity and promote compact growth in our town centres. Work is currently under way within the Department of Transport to contribute to the review of the NDP, with input from TII and other agencies.

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