John O'Mahony (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Mac Lochlainn referred to TEN-T funding. The impression is given that when the west was not included in that programme, investment stopped in the west. The biggest road project in Europe last year was the Gort to Tuam motorway.

I led a study group to maximise the potential of Ireland West Airport Knock and it grew from 250,000 passengers to 750,000 passengers with the help of the Minister, Deputy Ring, when he was involved in the transport area. I am pleased that the Ireland 2040 plan that was recently published has guaranteed the €36 million that the report suggested was required. There is much investment in the west. There may be opportunities for more investment. TEN-T funding is being reviewed before 2023 due to Brexit and there may be possibilities in that regard. The work has started and it needs to continue and be supported, but I have no doubt that we have the right man in the right job.