Eugene Murphy (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the comments Senator Kyne made about securing funding for Galway County Council. I am well aware of the efforts the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, and the Minister of State, Deputy Peter Burke, have made to solve this situation but we need a general debate in this House.

Today, I want to concentrate on the N5 route from Strokestown to Ballaghaderreen that, unfortunately, has seen huge loss of life over the years. As a result of the war in Ukraine, the roads contract has fallen through due to the fact Roadbridge is no longer functioning. I am confident, having met the Taoiseach and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Michael McGrath, that the project will be up and running. However, in the meantime, there are huge concerns about safety in the town of Strokestown, on the outskirts of Tulsk village and in Ballinagar. I understand Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII, may do something about part of the route at Frenchpark after many politicians made representations over many years. People are really worried about safety on these roads. I ask the Acting Leader to ask the Leader to contact the Minister for Transport and arrange a debate so we can discuss the route, particularly the fact that the present contract has been held up due to the worsening situation in Ukraine. I reiterate the case for inviting the Minister to attend a debate in this House to discuss many roads issues, particularly issues with the N5 route.