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

N25 Water-Rock upgrade

Summary

Deputy Stanton asked whether the stalled N25 upgrade, needed for housing and an IDA site, would proceed. The Tánaiste said the Minister for Transport is reviewing whether funds can be reallocated to keep the project moving.

Due to the massive economic growth in my area, there has been considerable job creation, which has led to a big demand for housing. Unfortunately, much of the planned housing in my area, particularly in Water-Rock where 3,500 houses are being planned, is at risk because of the road infrastructure. The N25 upgrade has been stalled. I am told that the decision is being reviewed. I hope that the upgrade will happen. The Tánaiste might tell me whether it will proceed. Some €1.3 million has been spent on the plans so far and €4.5 million has been made available under the local infrastructure and housing activation fund, LIHAF. Developers are very nervous that the work may not go ahead after so much has been spent on planning. The IDA's site in the area has been there for 12 years. It is 56 ha but is lying idle and cannot be used. The road is very unsafe, with 30,000 vehicle movements per day. When will the decision be reviewed and when might this road project be allowed to proceed?

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Leo Varadkar The Tánaiste Fine Gael

That matter is currently being reviewed by the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, who is examining whether it will be possible within Transport Infrastructure Ireland's budget to reallocate some funds to allow the project to continue to progress through planning. As the Deputy pointed out, it is an important road project because it accesses a significant IDA site - the former Amgen site - and can open up land for housing. There is also a road safety issue involved. The Minister is very much seized with these matters and is reviewing the issue.

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