Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I certainly support Senator Mulherin with regard to road improvements around Ireland. It is important that roads in regional areas, not just national secondary roads but regional roads, are upgraded to ensure that they meet the areas covered in Project Ireland 2040 and Future Jobs Ireland, which is very important for us. I will bring Senator Mulherin's concerns back to the Minister. His role is to make policy. It is up to TII, in conjunction with Mayo County Council, to ensure that priority is given to these roads in light of the economic activity in the area, which the Senator outlined, and the many multinational and indigenous companies operating there. It is important that we look after these companies and the employees of the companies who have to drive to work each day. Road safety is a priority for all of us as legislators and also for the Government. The worst section of the N26 route has been addressed by means of the N26 Cloongullane Bridge alignment project, which is currently being progressed as a minor works scheme. There is a traffic calming scheme in the village of Bohola on the N5 but it is important to complete the whole loop. That is all subject to funding. I will certainly bring that to the attention of TII and the Minister.