The traffic problems that are plaguing Galway city are well documented. In excess of €35 million has been spent in the last 20 years to progress a ring road. On Tuesday last, the Minister for Transport stated that the current plans for a ring road could not proceed and that the National Transport Authority, the local authority and the Department of Transport would have to look at a new transport strategy for Galway. The following day, in the Dáil, an Tánaiste, Deputy Micheál Martin, said that the N6 Galway ring road is essential for the growth and development of Galway city and the relief of unacceptable congestion. Galway City Council, Galway County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland have issued a joint statement confirming that they are committed to the project. However, there is now growing confusion and concern in Galway about the mixed messages from senior parties in government. Businesses and residents who are plagued with daily traffic congestion are worried about the lack of a commitment by the Minister for Transport. Can the Taoiseach please clearly outline his position and that of his Government regarding this vital piece of infrastructure for Galway?

I should say that this is ultimately going to be a matter for An Bord Pleanála to decide on. It has been remitted to An Bord Pleanála for a decision, taking into account the climate action plan. I will be very straight with the Deputy. While there are different views within Government on this matter, which happens sometimes and sometimes is a healthy thing, I am a supporter of the Galway ring road. It is in the national development plan and the national development plan is Government policy. Therefore, if it gets planning permission, it will be funded. It is in the national development plan, and that is part of the programme for Government. I do not accept the view that it will necessarily be bad in terms of climate. It will take a long time to build it and by the time it has been built, I would hope the vast majority of our vehicles will be electric and 80% of our electricity will come from renewables. That will put a very different picture on it in terms of the emissions created and it will free up the city for cycling, buses and pedestrians.