Seán Kyne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Feighan, for the reply. He states on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Ryan, that it is expected the report will be with the Minister for review and a decision this year on whether the project will move to the next stage, and also while this project is not being progressed in 2022, it will be considered for advancement next year. I am confused. Is that the Clifden to Maam Cross section or the Maam Cross to Bunakill section? Perhaps we can get clarity on that.

What is needed here is funding to allow this project to be kept alive, to be progressed and to be ready when funding is available. If funding is to be available, as reported, in 2025 or 2026 we will not be ready at that stage unless we have the preparatory funding to get it ready. That is the crux of the issue. It is agreed the project is beneficial, worthwhile and would be a substantial improvement, but we need the preparatory funding to get it to the stage where, when the big money necessary is available, we will be ready to roll. I ask the Minister of State to liaise with the Minister, Deputy Ryan, to ensure that can be kept under review and funding can be provided to keep this project alive and moving.