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

I thank the Senator. I know this road and roundabout is of particular importance to him. The name Tim Kennelly, for us in Cork, is a huge reason why we should be supporting this. I take the Senator's concerns and share his view on the lack of progress. I commit to working with the Senator, the Department and Kerry County Council in a manner that will achieve the key outcomes he desires. The Government is committed in the programme for Government to enhancing connectivity in both urban and rural areas through investing in diverse transport options, including roads and the national development plan. I will take the Senator's points to TII and Kerry County Council. I will not insult him by giving him a prepared script, because I know the importance of this road. Thankfully, it is not on the way to Killarney, not that I think we will be getting to Killarney too often in the coming months, but I hope that next Sunday we will have a better result. This is about better results for the Senator and the people of Listowel. We have seen the benefit of the bypass. It is critical that we continue with road improvement. The Government has committed to that. We have seen a variety of benefits but the Senator made the point about safety and connectivity. I will sit down with him and take up his offer to visit and work with him on behalf of the Department to make sure we get this project moving.