The N2 road is a critical artery through the central Border region to the north west. Upgrade schemes on two sections of that road, which have been in the pipeline for many years, have effectively been stalled by the Minister, Deputy Ryan. Last year, he provided no funding at all for the Clontibret to the Border road scheme. This year, funding is dependent on matching EU grant funding. Regarding the Ardee to Castleblayney scheme, funding has essentially been stalled so no progress can be made this year. Will the Taoiseach meet the Minister and articulate the clear view that this road is necessary for road safety, the economic development of a region that has suffered economically for many years and in respect of the fact that dozens of landowners have huge swathes of land which have been sterilised for more than a decade, which is untenable?

I meet the Minister, Deputy Ryan, once or twice a week. I guarantee the Deputy that the road programme often forms part of our conversations and discussions. It is not a secret that I am more enthusiastic about new road development than perhaps he is. It is good to have different views and parties within a coalition.

It is not good for the people of County Monaghan if it is not delivered.

To answer the Deputy's question, which relates to several national road projects, roughly €250 million is allocated every year to maintaining national roads and another €250 million a year to upgrading and improving them. It is never possible to fund every project every year. Regarding the N2, funding is in place this year to progress the Ardee bypass and Clontibret to the Border, which is important for the A5 link-up, which we are also cofunding. Funding for other sections can become available throughout the year if there is an underspend on other projects, which often happens.