Cathal Byrne (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister of State for attending this morning. I believe this is our first official interaction in this House. He is most welcome.

I want to highlight a stretch of the N25 road which runs from the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy bridge in County Wexford, through south Kilkenny and into Waterford city. I am referring specifically to the stretch from the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy bridge to the Luffany roundabout at Slieverue. On Monday night I attended a public meeting organised by a local committee campaigning for safety improvements and upgrading of the N25. Approximately 600 people were in attendance. The audience heard from local residents, the IFA, representatives of farming groups, the road haulage industry and representatives of truck drivers who travel that road and also, most significantly and poignantly, residents who unfortunately had suffered bereavement. In recent years there have been 12 fatalities, four of which have occurred since 2022. This road sees approximately 15,000 journeys and really serves as the main gateway for anybody in the south east who is travelling to work in Waterford city. Many people in my own County Wexford travel this stretch of road.

Since 2007 there have been discussions on upgrading this road. In fact, detailed design was done until 2011 when, unfortunately, due to the economic circumstances at the time, the project was shelved. It has been revitalised now and is progressing its way through the eight phases of development with TII.

I would like an update on where exactly this project is and what funding commitment is there. Unfortunately, to have a stretch of road in 2025 that has seen 12 fatalities in the past number of years is simply unacceptable. This road upgrade deserves prioritisation and the advocacy of that group. I commend the group on mobilising the local area. A total of 600 people is not an insignificant number to attend a public meeting.