Garret Ahearn (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is the N24 from Limerick to Waterford. This is the second year running in which funding for this road has been stopped, which is very disappointing. It is for the second section of the road, from Cahir to Waterford. People living within the buffer zone of that prospective road are unable to do any work, build houses or do any planning work on farm land because they are in a buffer zone of a road that is not being funded to completion. We have spent over €5 million progressing that road project over the past two years without continuing to the planning stage, which which cost only a further €2 million. Once we get to planning stage, a decision can be made on the construction, but it means we would not have to go back to the start. If this lack of funding continues, at some point we will have to go back to the start, which will have wasted six or seven years and €5 million of taxpayers' money.

I have spoken to the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, about this. I was hopeful that he saw the sense in continuing it to planning stage but, unfortunately, he has not. I would appreciate if the Leader could convey those concerns that I have about the project. It is vital road infrastructure which needs to be improved for the south-east region, not only for Tipperary but for Limerick, Waterford and on to Rosslare.