Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)
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102. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when Ministerial approval will be given to allow works on the Coonagh-to-Knockalisheen road in Limerick to continue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1122/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of the relevant local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. State grants, where applicable, are intended to supplement the funding allocated to the maintenance and improvement of roads by local authorities from their own resources.

Under the Public Spending Code, capital projects are subject to review and approval at a number of stages. As required under the Code Limerick City and County Council submitted a recommendation regarding the award of a contract for the construction of the main scheme.  Following careful consideration of this project, and close engagement with the Moyross community and Limerick City and County Council, I have approved the full completion of the Coonagh to Knockalisheen Road. This road scheme, as now approved, will take account of the overall development needs of Limerick, and will be complemented by sustainable transport features such as improved pedestrian / cycle accessibility for Moyross, improved Active Travel measures linking LIT, Mary Immaculate College, UL, and City Centre and the designation of one lane of the Dual Carriageway in each direction as a bus lane.

Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein)
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104. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of giving priority status to Tipperary town in respect of traffic alleviation on the N24; the details of his comments on addressing shorter sections of 6 km, 7 km or 8 km of the routes, including a bypass of Tipperary town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15470/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme.  Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.TII ultimately delivers the National Roads Programme in line with Project Ireland 2040, the National Planning Framework and the NDP.  This is also subject to the Public Spending Code Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals.

The Programme for Government includes a commitment to bring forward the review of the NDP and to use the review to set out an updated NDP for the period to 2030.  

The strategic transport issues for the region, including for national roads, are being considered in the context of the ongoing review of the NDP.  As part of this review for national roads, I am focused on how to help achieve compact growth, removal of congestion within our towns, and decarbonisation, among other objectives. Towns such as Tipperary town will be considered in this light.  The review of the NDP will be aligned with the National Planning Framework and Project Ireland 2040.  

Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply regarding the status of the N24 project.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.