Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Government has earmarked €5.1bn for capital spending on new national roads projects from 2021 to 2030 as part of the NDP. This funding will enable improved regional accessibility across the country as well as compact growth, which are key National Strategic Outcomes. The funding will provide for the development of numerous national road projects, including the completion of projects which are already at construction stage and those close to it, as well as the development of a number of others.

As the greater portion of this funding becomes available in the second half of the decade, this means that there was a constraint on the funding available for new projects this year. As a result of this, a prioritisation exercise was necessary. In line with the NDP and Government policy, national road funding for 2023 was allocated in a manner which seeks to achieve the following key outcomes:

• Protection and renewal of the existing national road network;
• Progressing major projects in or near construction;
• Progressing major projects which are pre-construction but well advanced in the development pipeline; and
• Prioritising any remaining funds for major projects which provide for local bypasses and Compact Growth in Ireland’s towns and villages.

Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for an update as to progress on this particular project. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour)
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177. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the projected completion date for the Shannon Crossing project between Ballina and Killaloe. [19054/23]

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 each local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Councils' own resources supplemented by State road grants.

The Shannon Crossing, Killaloe Bypass and R494 Upgrade scheme is one of the limited number of strategic regional and local road improvement schemes being undertaken under the National Development Plan.

Implementation of the Shannon Crossing, Killaloe Bypass and R494 Upgrade scheme is the responsibility of Clare County Council. Following the conclusion of the tender process for the main construction contract for the scheme, the contract was awarded in 2022 and the construction programme is underway. My understanding is that the scheme is scheduled to be completed in 2025.