Jerry Buttimer (Cork South-Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I accept the Senator's comment that he is disappointed by the reply. The national roads allocation for this year will be announced in the near future. The Government is committed to funding road projects and the N59 fits into this category. As the Senator knows, the project is progressing and is a major project in terms of being in or near the end of construction. It comes under the national roads framework in terms of protection and renewal, enhancing road safety and is in line with national development policy and Government policy. I do not see any reason the N59 project cannot be proceeded with further. As the Senator said, it is very much part of the NDP. I am happy to work with the Senator to ensure the Department and TII will consider this project for funding in future years.

The Senator will be aware that the protection and renewal of existing national roads are a priority for the Government. The majority of funding allocated for Galway last year was utilised for this purpose. The funding is used for junction improvement, pavement renewal, road safety improvement, the maintenance of structures such as bridges and the progression of minor improvement projects. As the Senator said, this road comes under many categories and deserves to be supported. I will bring the Senator's concerns and comments back to the Department.