William Aird (Laois, Fine Gael)
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94. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to include the Portlaoise northern orbital route and the Mountmellick bypass in the revised national development plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28042/25]

William Aird (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I ask the Government to include both the Portlaoise northern orbital route and the Mountmellick bypass in the revised national development plan. They are not just local road projects; they are critical infrastructure with regional and national significance. As the Minister of State knows, Portlaoise is one of Ireland's fastest growing towns. The town is already under pressure from traffic congestion with heavy volumes of vehicles passing through daily. The northern orbital route has long been identified as a key priority to ease congestion in the town centre, improve road safety and enhance the quality of life for residents and businesses.

Jerry Buttimer (Cork South-Central, Fine Gael)
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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.

William Aird (Laois, Fine Gael)
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We do not need consideration; we need money. This road is vital to redirect HGVs coming from Rosslare to the west of Ireland. We are trying move this traffic away from residential areas, schools and hospitals. This route is also essential to future-proof Portlaoise for sustainable growth under the national planning framework. Without this orbital route, development is hindered, traffic continues to choke the town and emissions increase. It is clear that inclusion of the Portlaoise northern orbital route in the revised national development plan is needed now.

The bypass needed in Mountmellick is equally important. Mountmellick has suffered severe traffic bottlenecks for years especially during the school rush hour. This is more than an inconvenience; it is a safety issue. The main streets in Mountmellick were never designed to carry the present volume or weight of traffic, including articulated lorries and agricultural machinery. The lack of a bypass affects the town's viability, slows economic development and poses safety risks to pedestrians and cyclists. It also affects regional connectivity, which we spoke about, between Tullamore, Portlaoise and surrounding areas. A Mountmellick bypass has been on the agenda for decades. It is time to move it into action.

Jerry Buttimer (Cork South-Central, Fine Gael)
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I again thank the Deputy for raising the matter. He makes pertinent points about the orbital route and the traffic congestion. I remind him that Laois County Council received an allocation of more than €1.1 million this year for protection and renewal of the county's road network. With regard to the N80 road safety improvement project in Portlaoise town, including the Mountmellick Road and James Fintan Lalor Avenue, a technical adviser has been appointed, and a feasibility and options report seeking funding for the project is underway. TII is awaiting a submissions report and anticipates that Laois County Council will submit a report seeking funding by the end of this year. On the Stradbally N80 pavement project, tenders are being assessed and it is expected that works will be completed later this year. I remind Deputy Aird and Members that it is up to any council, including Laois County Council, to submit and engage with TII on the review of the NDP. I encourage it to do that, and I am happy to work with the Deputy on the matter. However, he raises valid and pertinent points this evening.

William Aird (Laois, Fine Gael)
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These two projects must be included in the revised national development plan to address fair regional development, align with national goals, reduce emissions, promote balanced regional development and support active travel and safer roads. The Portlaoise northern orbital route and the Mountmellick bypass projects would complement existing investment in the region's rail network. I urge the Minister of State to work with these county councils and Transport Infrastructure Ireland to ensure that the Portlaoise northern orbital route and the Mountmellick bypass are fully recognised and funded within the revised NDP.

When I was a councillor, I sat in Laois County Council during the previous NDP plan, and we were not included. We got nothing out of it. We were told the plan was closed for ten years, but because there was a general election that envelope was opened up. I assure the Minister of State that now that I am a TD, I will make sure these projects are in it. When the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, came off at junction 17 recently, he saw the road that goes down through the business park and travels solely to the west of Ireland. Not one shilling did it get from the former Minister, Eamon Ryan. I pleaded with him to give us money, but not a fivepenny piece did he give us for that. We funded that out of our own coffers in Laois County Council, so the Minister owes it to us to put us into that national development plan.

Jerry Buttimer (Cork South-Central, Fine Gael)
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I hear loud and clear Deputy Aird's advocacy for the importance of this route. I remind him that this Government under the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, the Minister of State, Deputy Canney, and I has seen a further €2.9 million for the protection and renewal of the road network and we are investing €1 billion in new national road projects over the coming decade. I also say regarding the NDP review that it is up to all local authorities to work with TII and the Department to ensure projects get consideration. I hear the Deputy on sustainability and the issue of traffic gridlock and road safety, but the programme for Government contains a commitment to increase funding for new roads as part of the NDP review, as I have said. That is about ensuring we see town bypasses completed and we see work continue and carried out on regional connectivity. Deputy Aird has made a good point tonight. I am sure the advocacy work that he is doing and will continue to do will be well received in the Department. We hear the Deputy tonight, but I remind him that the two road projects I have listed are under way. Laois County Council has appointed a technical adviser and tenders are being assessed. It is important that Laois County Council engages in the NDP review.

William Aird (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister of State for that.