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

I thank Deputy Moynihan. The Government earmarked about €2.9 billion for the protection and renewal of the national road network as part of the National Development Plan 2021 to 2030. As the Deputy knows, the NDP is under review. That includes funding to renew pavement on the new network. In addition, €5.1 billion was earmarked for investment in new national roads projects. While the greater portion of the funding becomes available in the second half of the decade, I can confirm that approximately €600 million of Exchequer capital funds was provided to local authorities through TII for national roads in 2025. Of this, €74 million was allocated to Cork city and county councils.

As part of the current NDP, the N22 road between Cork and Kerry has seen significant development in recent years, not least with the completion of the Baile Bhuirne to Macroom project. In conjunction with the N22 Farranfore to Killarney project, which is being developed, this will deliver greatly improved connectivity between Cork and Kerry. In regard to the section between Macroom and Ballincollig, while it has not been possible so far to allocate funding for pavement works this year, funding has been provided for road safety schemes at Castlemore and Kilcondy. In addition, funding has been provided for a fixed safety camera pilot on the route.

With regard to future investment, the programme for Government commits to increasing funding for protection and renewal. This should allow the pace of road pavement renewal to be stepped up, including the section east of Macroom to Ballincollig. What I am basically saying is that I am aware of the really poor state of this section of road. The Deputy has mentioned it and the Minister of State, Deputy Buttimer, mentioned it to me again this evening.

I am glad Deputy Moynihan asked this question. We need to be more active with our agencies in making sure, as I said to a previous Deputy, that the feedback from public representatives on behalf of their constituents is actually listened to. This section of road needs to be attended to. We will have an increased roads programme for next year and we will try to secure additional funding to make sure this section of road is attended to.

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