We use Google Analytics to see which pages are read and how the site is used, so we know what to improve. This only runs if you accept. See our privacy notice for details.

Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation

Clontibret to Border road scheme

Summary

Matt Carthy criticised stalled regional infrastructure, focusing on the Clontibret to the Border N2 scheme and Government failure to deliver on rural and cross-Border promises. The Taoiseach said planning and objections were slowing projects, funding was available, and he would examine the scheme with the Minister and TII.

We remember the Government's fanfare at major launches such as Our Rural Future, the shared island initiative and the ten launches for the NDP. The lofty words spoken at those launches about commitment to rural, regional and all-Ireland development actually count for very little when compared with the failure to deliver the infrastructure projects our regions require. We recently learned that the actions of the Minister for Transport, Deputy Eamon Ryan, and the Government have resulted in the TII stalling the next planning phase of the Clontibret to the Border N2 road scheme, for example. Money was diverted from that project to pet projects of the Minister. The actions of TII at the behest of the Government could permanently condemn a project that was a key component of several peace process talks and is an integral infrastructure project for a region that has no rail network and a pathetic level of public transport options. Will the Taoiseach outline today whether he will ensure that this decision is reversed and the funding for this infrastructure project will be restored?

Comment on this

The Deputy is prone to a little fanfare himself.

Comment on this

I am prone to delivery.

Comment on this

My experience of cross-Border projects is that planning and objections seem to be slowing down many of them. We are making funding available to cross-Border road projects.

Comment on this

This project.

Comment on this

For example, for the first time in a long time we are putting flesh on the bones of the Narrow Water bridge project. I have allocated funding to it with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy Darragh O'Brien.

Comment on this

This is the Clontibret to the Border project.

Comment on this

I will examine that project along with others. The NDP is very expensive in terms of the amount of money that is being provided for road projects. As I said, we will engage with the Minister and the TII in respect of what can be done on a whole variety of projects that are at different stages of development.

Comment on this