Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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153. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will ensure that a project (details supplied) will be included in his Department’s sectoral plan for the 2026 to 2030 period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63476/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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My department has been working with Cavan and Louth County Councils in relation to funding projects associated with the proposed upgraded East West Link Road. As the Deputy is aware the proposed scheme would run on regional routes from Dundalk to Cavan and national routes from Cavan to Sligo.

Going back some time there was a proposal for a substantial upgrade of the regional road part of the route; my department provided over €2 million to Cavan County Council, acting as lead authority with Monaghan and Louth County Councils, to progress the regional road element of the project to preliminary design stage.

However, more recent appraisal work has indicated a very substantial cost if the road scheme was fully implemented. As such, my department engaged Cavan County Council to carry out a risk-based analysis for the route between Dundalk and Cavan. This analysis explored the possibility of a series of interventions which could be implemented over time, and which could improve safety, journey times, and bring consistency to the travel speed along the route. From this risk analysis individual local authorities examined if, and how, projects identified could be brought forward, while taking into account their own priorities and available resources.

My department allocated funding to both Cavan and Louth County Councils to carry out initial assessments of two possible schemes along the R178 Cavan to Dundalk Strategic Regional Route. Subsequently, both Louth and Cavan County Councils submitted Strategic Assessment Reports for these two schemes. These submissions have been reviewed and approval has been provided to advance both schemes.

The department has provided further funding in 2025 to both Cavan County Council and Louth County Council to advance these schemes through to the end of Phase 2 “Route Selection”. This process is underway by the local authorities and following completion, a further review of both schemes will be examined by my department before approval to the next phase.

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 2025, the N53 Hackballscross to Rassan project received an allocation of €2 million. In addition, €35,000 was allocated for pavement works on the N53 at Rathmore.

Noting the above position, I have referred the question to TII for a direct reply regarding ongoing works on the N53 between Dundalk and Carrickmacross. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

The National Development Plan Review 2025 has been published by Government. This sets out capital ceilings for transport to 2030. My department will now progress the sectoral plan for the 2026 to 2030 period, which will be published later this year and which will inform road scheme priorities in the coming years.

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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154. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will ensure that a project (details supplied) will be included in his Department's sectoral plan for the 2026 to 2030 period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63475/25]

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 €1,200,000 has been allocated for the N3 Virginia Bypass 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.

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.