Aidan Davitt (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate the moneys provided for this road project. I was to the fore in demanding and securing some of the outlay for it. This stretch of road is one of the most deadly in Westmeath. The last road fatality in Westmeath occurred on it. The victim was a neighbour of mine who was knocked off his bicycle and killed. May he rest in peace.

I agree with the points made by the Minister in regard to safety and costs. As I said, I appreciate that this project is under way and I take some comfort from what the Minister had to say in his final remarks. I understand that work on the project is to commence on 13 March 2017 and that it will be suspended from Thursday, 16 March 2017 to Sunday 19 March 2017, inclusive.

As a result of this project people in the local community will get jobs, which is great news in light of already announced imminent job losses, hopefully short term, in the area that will have huge repercussions locally. I welcome that the Minister proposes to raise my concerns in regard to safety with TII.