Eoin Hayes (Dublin Bay South, Social Democrats)
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178. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on the costing and procurement analysis carried out in relation to the contract the Government has signed with a company (details supplied) to build the M28 motorway, and its compliance with Government procurement frameworks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28255/25]

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 Infrastructure Guidelines (formerly the Public Spending Code) set out a number of Approval Gates for large capital projects such as the M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy Project. With regard to the procurement process involved, TII and Cork County Council prepared a detailed procurement strategy for the main construction contract which was approved by the then Minister for Transport in January 2024, as is required at Approval Gate 2 of the Infrastructure Guidelines.

On the conclusion of the tendering process by Cork County Council and TII, a Final Business Case for the project was submitted to the Department of Transport in December 2024. This was appraised by Department officials from a policy and economic perspective, and a Memo for Government was submitted recommending approval to go to construction. This was approved at the cabinet meeting of April 8th this year, as is required at Approval Gate 3 of the Infrastructure Guidelines.

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

Ryan O'Meara (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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179. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on his efforts to progress the Thurles Relief Road (details supplied); when funding will be provided to commence construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34033/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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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 local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority.

Any new road projects that seek State funding are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects proposed by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines (formerly the Public Spending Code) and the Department's Transport Appraisal Framework. Given the limited funding available for regional and local road improvement works it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind.

€100,000 has been allocated to the Thurles Inner Relief Road scheme in 2025 to progress the detailed design of the scheme. Planning and implementation of the Thurles Inner Relief Road scheme is the responsibility of Tipperary County Council.

Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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180. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on the N24 and N25; and if there is funding available for completion of the works. [34140/25]

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.

The N24 Waterford to Cahir project has been allocated €80,000 for 2025 and while the N25 Waterford to Glenmore project did not receive an allocation for 2025, it is anticipated that it could be funded in 2026, subject to the outcome of the ongoing review of the NDP. It is also important to note that the Programme for Government contains a commitment to increase funding for new roads and the maintenance of existing roads as part of the NDP review.

Noting the above position, I have referred the question to TII for a direct reply updating you as to the latest status of the N24 Waterford to Cahir and the N25 Waterford to Glenmore projects.