William Aird (Laois, Fine Gael)
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124. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when funding will be made available to progress the long-awaited relief road for Mountmellick town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51710/25]

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 2022 Laois County Council concluded the preliminary appraisal of options process in relation to a bypass of Mountmellick. However, this is not included amongst the projects that are identified for development during the current NDP and therefore it was not possible to advance the proposed project at that time.

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