John Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I turn to funding for roads, which is a topic we are all familiar with. I seek a debate with the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, on this issue across the suite of areas from national projects to local projects. I have become aware of an issue with TII where funding was allocated by the Government and the Minister for specific programmes of works in the 2024 allocation. However, when a local authority is in a position to award a tender for a contract for works that have been approved, TII says it has a review of funding under way and tells the local authority not to appoint a contractor. This is a serious issue. I am aware of one in Lismore, County Waterford. An allocation of €500,000 was made in the programme for that project. They are awaiting approval to go to tender for works. A tender is in for €450,000 and they have been told that other local authorities have been requested to put a hold on tendering pavement works while an expenditure review is undertaken in light of existing committed contracts. There is clearly an issue and a disconnect between the allocations that the Government has given to TII for projects, and what TII is saying to local authorities on the ground. That particular project, along with many others, is much needed. That is why the funding was given to TII in the first place. However, it is writing to local authorities around the country stating there is clearly an issue. I would like a debate in this House on the wider suite of roads programme issues.