Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)

I thank the Deputies for their diligence and commitment to their constituents, which are extremely strong. The Deputies' efforts on their behalf, with the heart of Government, is most welcome. A number of new road projects, which are included in the current NDP, have already been delivered. These include the N22 Ballyvourney to Macroom project, the Dunkettle interchange upgrade, the N5 Westport to Turlough route, and the bypasses of Moycullen and Listowel. As the greater portion of the NDP funding for national roads becomes available in the second half of the decade, this meant there was a constraint on funding available for projects in 2025. However, approximately €502 million of Exchequer capital funds have been provided to TII for national roads in 2025.

In line with the NDP and Government policy, TII has sought to allocate national roads funding to local authorities in a manner that seeks to achieve the following key outcomes: protection and renewal of the existing national road network; progressing major projects in or near construction; and progressing major projects that are at an earlier stage of the development pipeline. A number of new projects have already been delivered. They include the N22 Ballyvourney to Macroom project, which is of great interest and has been of great interest to Deputy Danny Healy-Rae, the Dunkettle interchange upgrade, the N5 Westport to Turlough, and bypasses of Moycullen and Listowel. The programme for Government commits to increased funding for new roads as part of the NDP review and the maintenance of existing roads.

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