Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I also welcome the Minister of State. I am raising an important issue that I have raised many times previously. I want the Slane bypass project to be included in the Government's capital plan which I understand from media reports will be published sometime in July. This is really important, not just from the point of view of the North-South N2 connection but also for the safety and security of the residents of the village of Slane.

The previous Government put the project before An Bord Pleanála which, unfortunately, for a number of reasons over three years ago refused planning permission. A lot of slow and laborious work has since been done by Meath County Council and the NRA and the Minister has become involved at various times. Following that work, I understand the county council and the NRA have come to the conclusion that the only option from a traffic perspective is to build a bypass and make another planning application. They have looked at all of the alternatives which would make the situation much worse. Any of the other alternatives proposed such as diverting traffic through other areas or toll-free holidays on the roads will not solve the problem and, in many cases, would make it worse.

We are seeking a statement that the Government is committed to the project. Because it had taken it out of the capital plan - there was no list published by the Government - that sent a signal to An Bord Pleanála that it was okay to refuse planning permission. It is relatively unusual for An Bord Pleanála to refuse planning permission for road projects with which, all other things being equal, the Government wishes to proceed. Therefore, I appeal to the Government to include this project in the capital plan. There have been positive noises from Ministers and local Deputies. However, if the project was included in the Government's plan, we would have the money and it would also be a signal from Government to the planning authority that this was a strategically important national issue. The project is important to the people of Slane. It is also important in opening up the N2 and creating the North-South link that everyone wants. I look forward to the Minister of State's response.