I welcome the approval for the N4, from Colooney to Castlebaldwin, and I thank the Taoiseach and Cabinet for approving that. The Taoiseach, as Minister for Transport, was the first Minister to give approval for funding. For the past 20 to 30 years, this roadway was promised by successive Governments. As a Deputy for Sligo, who was lobbied over many years for this funding, I am delighted we can start this project. The Taoiseach might give me an indication as to when this project will start. For the people of Sligo and the north west, this Cabinet approval is vitally important. Could we have a timeline as to when this project will start?

I thank Deputy McLoughlin for raising this important issue and recognise his advocacy down through the years in campaigning for this important road project to go ahead. The N4, from Castlebaldwin to Colooney, is one of the most dangerous roads in Ireland and a road on which many people have lost their lives. This is about road safety but also about economic development and bringing more economic opportunities to the north west. It very much speaks to our vision of developing Sligo as one of the growth centres for Ireland into the future.

I am very pleased the Cabinet took the decision this morning to give that project the go-ahead. Sligo County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland can now sign the contracts. I do not know the exact date for works to begin but it will be sooner rather than later. I will certainly get a date from the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Ross.