Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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289. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress to date in advancing a project to the next Stage (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28838/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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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 the N3 Virginia Bypass project.

I can confirm that the project received €1,200,000 as part of the 2025 allocations announced in March. The project is currently proceeding through the Design and Environmental Evaluation phase. It is expected that a Preliminary Business Case for the project will be submitted to the Department in late Q4 2025 or early 2026 ahead of a Government decision at Approval Gate 1 of the Infrastructure Guidelines.

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

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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290. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress to date in establishing a new facility (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28839/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of park and ride facilities.

Park and ride can intercept car trips where people are reliant on private car at an early viable point in their journey, thereby reducing the distances travelled by private car with a corresponding reduction in carbon emissions and congestion.

The NTA has developed a Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) covering the period from 2022 to 2042 – the GDA includes the four Dublin authority areas plus Meath, Kildare and Wicklow. The GDA Transport Strategy includes a network of park and ride sites, one of which is in County Meath at the M3 Parkway, Dunboyne.

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.