Funding for critical infrastructure
Noel Grealish seeks clarification on funding for job-creating road projects, particularly Gort to Tuam, after conflicting statements about asset sales. The Taoiseach says the projects form part of the stimulus package and should advance through public-private partnerships and available funding.
Before Christmas, I asked the Tánaiste when funding would be made available for critical infrastructure projects for much-needed job creation and he replied that funding would be made available for projects such as the N 7 and N18 in Connacht. However, when I tabled a parliamentary question to the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Varadkar, who is sitting beside the Taoiseach-----
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On the road between Galway and Shannon.
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I will conclude on this point. The Minister stated that no funding would be made available until State assets have been sold. Can the Taoiseach clarify to the House whether money will be made available for critical infrastructure projects for much-needed job creation?
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That is a different issue altogether. We cannot discuss that on the Order of Business but I suggest the Deputy table the matter for a Topical Issue debate and I certainly will consider it.
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As the Deputy is aware, it is part of the stimulus package. I assume Deputy Grealish is referring to the Gort to Tuam project, which is of interest to him and which he has raised many times. There are a number of major road projects that are subject to the stimulus package, moving through public private partnerships, availability of money and consideration of the sale of State assets. The first such project is the Newlands Cross project, the second is the Gort to Tuam project and the third is located further south. I expect these projects to make serious headway and it is to be hoped they can commence this year.