Hopefully, I have sufficient breath. The latest phases in major road upgrades around the country for this year have been shelved by Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII, citing insufficient funding. These include the N4 Mullingar to Longford upgrade, which has now been more than 20 years in gestation. It is a critical piece of infrastructure for the region and, given the road's inclusion in the national development plan, NDP, there was a realistic expectation locally that this road would proceed. Will An Taoiseach indicate whether additional funding can be provided to ensure that the next phase of this road upgrade proceeds as hoped?

Significant capital moneys have been allocated to roads and public transport in the NDP. Notwithstanding that, a whole range of projects have been at different stages of development, whether it be route appraisal and so on. We will have to engage with the Department and TII with a view to how these projects can be progressed. Some only have to move to route selection, which would not entail a whole lot of money in the short term. I am of the view that planning of projects should continue. A difficulty may eventually come when we get to the end of the planning stage, but so many people have their lands sterile, for example, without having any indication as to when their lands can be utilised for one purpose or another. They are waiting to see if they will be subject to compulsory purchase order or whatever. It is not fair to people to be kept waiting so long. In addition, there is the issue of actually getting the roads done.