Seán Kyne (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister of State for the comprehensive response. I note the comments of the NTA that it is appropriate to wait for An Coimisiún Pleanála's determination on the Galway city ring road. The concern is that it will be possibly late next year when a decision will be made. The Galway city ring road, if it has to go some sort of oral hearing, may take that long and then there may be court challenges. What determination is the NTA waiting for? Is it waiting for the final determination from the courts or are they waiting for the determination from An Coimisiún Pleanála only, because we will be losing time in that regard? What the Gluas group has asked for is to allow this to progress to the emerging preferred route status and to allow for funding in the national development plan or, indeed, if it was forthcoming, through the Department without going through the national development plan protocol.

This is a concept that, I am sure, the Minister of State would be supportive of. All of it is subject to Government approval and funding.