TEN-T funding for Foynes route
Deputy Tom Neville asked whether an application had been made for TEN-T funding for the Limerick-Foynes route and related road access. The Taoiseach was unsure about the application but said the port's connection to the road network made sense and the Minister would respond directly.
On page 44 of the programme for Government, it is stated that in the first three months, the Government will apply to the EU for the provision of TEN-T core network funding. While TEN-T is predominantly for rail, it is my belief that Ireland is an exception due to the short distances and I think such an exception has been availed of in Northern Ireland. The Limerick-Foynes route is now moving towards final route selection and is in the planning phase. More importantly, the Adare bypass is in the capital investment plan and Foynes is a tier 1 port in Europe.
Has an application been made for TEN-T funding for this motorway? If so, where is it in the process? I believe up to 20% of the capital cost can be availed of.
Comment on this
I do not know whether an application has been made under TEN-T for the road project in question. I recall that the Shannon-Foynes Port Company applied for, and may well have received, some TEN-T funding for the port. I am not sure about the road project. I will ask the Minister, Deputy Ross, to communicate directly with Deputy Neville. I agree with the Deputy that it is important for us to connect the deep-water port of Foynes to the high-quality road network so that the port can expand. I think this makes sense for many reasons.