Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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161. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider prioritising the upgrade of the N24 from Cahir to Limerick ahead of the M20 project, in light of evidence suggesting that the N24 upgrade would deliver greater financial value and regional connectivity benefits for a lower overall investment; if he will outline the comparative cost-benefit assessments between both projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33904/25]

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.

It is important to point out that the Programme for Government contains a commitment to investing in all road projects in the current National Development Plan. As such, it is a matter of progressing each individual project through the development lifecycle as opposed to prioritising one over another. Furthermore, both the N/M20 Cork to Limerick Project and the N24 Cahir to Limerick Junction Project are currently in the Design and Environmental Evaluation Phase, at the end of which a Preliminary Business Case for each will be submitted to the Department of Transport. For both projects, this is expected to take place in early 2026. The Preliminary Business Case will detail a full Cost-Benefit Analysis for the relevant project.

The N24 Cahir to Limerick Junction Project was allocated €2.5 million for 2025.

Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply updating you as to the latest status of the N24 Cahir to Limerick Junction Project. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.