Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

When we are doing the review of the national development plan, we must ensure that projects such phase 2 of the southern relief road in Bandon are included. These are key infrastructure projects for towns throughout Ireland. Phase 2 of the bypass would have the benefit of changing the look of Bandon. The same applies to projects throughout the country. It is important that the Government focuses on ensuring we have a road programme that sorts out these issues. When it comes to the Bandon southern relief road, time is money. I am very concerned about where the costs will go on a project of this nature. The former Minister, Mr. Ross, famously said the project would cost €7.5 million. I am concerned it could be a multiple of that with the way the timelines are going. I am genuinely concerned about how the timelines could lead to a significant increase in costs.