Séamus McGrath (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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194. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of scheduled tunnel closures for the Jack Lynch tunnel (N40), the Dublin tunnel (M50) and the Limerick tunnel (N18), by tunnel, for each of the years 2020 to 2024 and to date in 2025; the total cost of the associated maintenance and other works facilitated by the closures over that period; the main reasons for the scheduled tunnel closures; if the TII is satisfied the number of closures is in line with international norms and best practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49439/25]

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 operation and management 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 in relation to the Jack Lynch Tunnel (N40), the Dublin Tunnel (M50) and the Limerick Tunnel (N18).

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.

Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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195. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when construction will commence and be completed on the Mallow relief road; the current status of planning, funding and delivery; and the way in which the Government will ensure that the approved 469 home development (details supplied) is supported by necessary road infrastructure, public transport and active travel links. [49500/25]

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 this project.

I can confirm that €700,000 has been allocated for the Mallow Relief Road scheme in 2025. As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for the project will be kept under review for 2026 and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII.

Any active travel links on the Mallow Relief Road will likely be completed under TII’s Active Travel programme.

Noting the above positions, 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.

With regard to public transport, as the Deputy may be aware, the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme is a key project in the National Development Plan 2021-2030 and the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy 2040. The Programme is being delivered on a phased basis and will provide a more efficient and decarbonised transport service for the area to help facilitate population and economic growth over the coming decades.

Phase 1 of the Programme consists of a signalling upgrade, construction of a through-platform at Kent Station which launched in April, and double-tracking from Glounthaune to Midleton. This phase has received EU Funding under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan and is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

Phase 2 of the programme plans for the electrification of the Cork commuter rail network and the delivery of up to eight new stations including Blarney/Stoneview and upgrades to existing stations including Mallow. In 2024, Iarnród Éireann (IÉ) awarded a contract to TYPSA and Roughan O’Donovan, appointing them as multi-disciplinary consultants for the design of Phase 2 of the Programme. A public consultation was for Phase 2 of the Programme was completed in July.

Subject to securing funding and achieving the relevant approvals, Phase 2 of the Programme will progress after Phase 1 works have been completed.