Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The biggest issue is not meeting the timelines. The report the Minister of State mentioned has actually shied away from going into timelines, because they have failed to meet the timelines we have been given by them on a continual basis. This project was quoted as costing €7.2 million four or five years ago. It is probably a €10 million project now. A sum of €150,000 was allocated to it last week, but that will not even pay for the stamps relating to the project, given the amount of work that needs to be done. Engineers were allegedly on site 30 years ago but, realistically, nothing has happened. This meets the criteria the Minister has been speaking about. It is a bypass to make sure that central Bandon can become a more liveable, workable space. We are not speaking about a major motorway here, but about something that is in the programme for Government regarding where and when we spend our money.

The lack of engagement in this Chamber and with the people of Bandon is absolutely appalling. I welcome the Minister of State saying he will write to the Ministers, because their lack of engagement with me on this issue is disgraceful. We need to see action. At the moment, we are seeing nothing on the ground.