Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

148. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on major infrastructural projects in Cork city and county, including the Cork to Limerick motorway project, the northern distributor road, and the Mallow relief road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4357/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and 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. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of these projects.

The N/M20 Cork to Limerick Project and Mallow Relief Road are among those national roads projects included in the current NDP, and are at various stages in the project development pipeline. The NDP earmarked approximately €5.1 billion for new national roads projects, the majority of which is in the second half of the decade.

The N/M20 Cork to Limerick Project was allocated €4,040,000 in 2024. It is anticipated that the Design and Evaluation phase will be completed later this year, and a Preliminary Business Case will then be submitted to the Department of Transport. Subject to Government approval, the submission of statutory documents for the project to An Bord Pleanála will follow thereafter. The Mallow Relief Road was allocated €300,000 in 2024, and is currently in the Design and Evaluation Phase.

National Road allocations for 2025 will be announced in the coming weeks.

Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply updating you on the major national roads projects in Cork City and County. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days

The Northern Distributor Road was established in the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy. It is intended that the Northern Distributor Road will include both traffic and bus lanes as well as cycling and pedestrian facilities.

In December of 2023, the National Transport Authority (NTA) approved a Strategic Assessment Report (SAR) for the project. The approval of the SAR authorised Cork City Council to proceed with the next stage of the project, namely the route selection stage.

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The NTA has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the Cork Northern Distributor project.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.