Jerry Buttimer (Cork South-Central, Fine Gael)

I cannot give an answer about last week's meeting because I do not have that information but I will bring the Deputy's comments back.

Regarding the N2 Ardee to Castleblayney route, as Deputy Gallagher is aware, the proposed project is an important one. It is about ensuring road safety is improved. The upgrade will enhance that road safety by reducing the number of direct access points and turning movements and by providing passing opportunities. It is currently suspended at the design and environmental phase of the TII project management guidelines subject to the ongoing NDP review. It is hoped the project will be allocated funding this year and next year.

Regarding the overarching matter raised by Deputy Gallagher, preliminary discussions have taken place on the establishment of the agreed cross-Border working group in relation to the continued development of the N2 from Clontibret to the Border and phase 3 of the M5. The A5 project has made significant progress over the past 12 months. According to the departmental statement, which is the Department for Infrastructure's formal and public response to the Planning Appeals Commission report, the latest public inquiry on the project was finalised in the summer of last year. Both jurisdictions are working collaboratively to address the key recommendations of the Planning Appeals Commission. Officials are working in the interim on a response in terms of a budgeting profile, while assisted by the €600 million from the Shared Island Fund. There is a second project, the delivery of phase 3 in a separate cross-Border link to provide a seamless connection between both projects. Notwithstanding the decision of the High Court in Belfast on 23 June to quash the decision to approve construction of the first phase of the project, the Government is committed and remains strong in its support in contributing to the successful delivery of the A5 project. The Government is also committed to developing the projects listed in the NDP that connect to the A5 including the Donegal TEN-T and N2 projects. I thank Deputy Gallagher for raising this matter.

See this speech in context