Seanad debates

Wednesday, 29 September 2021

Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters

Road Projects

10:30 am

Photo of Tim LombardTim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Fleming. I do not think I have had the pleasure of seeing him in the Seanad previously. It is great to have him here.

The Commencement matter I tabled seeks an update from the Minister for Transport on the timelines and funding costs for the proposed phase 2 works on the Bandon southern relief road. Phase 1 of the roadworks was completed nearly 30 years ago, so we have been waiting a long time for the completion of the road. At this stage, it has been talked about for nearly a generation. It is a major issue in terms of ensuring a town the size of Bandon can be fit for purpose. Bandon is the biggest town in and the gateway to west Cork. All traffic for west Cork goes through the town.

In the review of the national development plan, we must ensure that projects such as phase 2 of the southern relief road are prioritised. We are in the bizarre position that all heavy vehicles must go through Bandon because they cannot cope with the gradient of the previous bypass. Anything from 9,000 to 14,000 vehicles pass my office in South Main Street every day. Bandon has been smothered as a result. Funding must be found and a timeline put in place to ensure the southern relief road is developed and Bandon gets a chance to become a beautiful town.

There has been significant investment in Bandon in the past decade. The main drainage scheme and the flood relief scheme have been prioritised. This has resulted in major changes to the town. We are now going through a major phase of public renewal and redevelopment, which will also change the urban landscape of Bandon. A lot of good things are happening in the town but the key piece of the jigsaw, phase 2 of the southern relief road, is missing. It was for this reason that I tabled this Commencement matter seeking an update from the Department on its plans for this important infrastructure.

Will the Minister of State inform the House of the timelines and costings for the proposed phase 2 of the southern relief road? I am very concerned about the costings. I raised the issue in 2019 with the then Minister, the former Deputy Ross, who gave a costing of €7.5 million. I am very concerned about the level the costings will have reached by now given the inflation in the construction sector. The sooner we get the project started and finished, the better because we will have better value for money for phase 2. Will the Minister of State indicate to the House where we are with this very important project in west Cork?

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.