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 Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation

Dunkettle interchange cost

Summary

Deputy Shanahan questions the final cost of the Dunkettle interchange and worries expensive road projects are crowding out others. The Tánaiste defends the infrastructure, says inflation has raised costs, and rejects setting road and rail against each other.

Can the Tánaiste update the House on the final cost of the Dunkettle interchange? It was originally signalled at €77 million when first mooted, then the figure rose to €88 million. I gather it was signed off in the early days of the Tánaiste's premiership at €216 million. Even that sounds a lot for a fancy-pants roundabout. Some 23 years ago, the Jack Lynch tunnel cost €133 million; adjusted for inflation that is around €216 million today. With a two-for-one split between public transport and roads hardwired into the programme for Government, this overspend has killed off road projects elsewhere. It certainly stands in stark contrast to the lack of any development on the N24 or N25, which is vital infrastructure for developing the south-east region. What is the bill for the Dunkettle interchange? If the Tánaiste does not have the detail, can he respond to me in writing?

Comment on this

To be fair, it is excellent infrastructure. It is designed to facilitate the hordes of Waterford supporters who will come to Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday to play Cork. It will mean a faster slipstream into the Jack Lynch tunnel, aptly named after one of our greatest hurlers and a man who won six all-Irelands in a row. Inflation happens and costs go up. There is no doubt that piece of infrastructure is a necessity, as is the N24 and N25 the Deputy mentioned.

Comment on this

They are not happening.

Comment on this

I do not think we should pit one against the other. There has been an overall increase in the allocation for infrastructure. I hear what the Deputy has said regarding those specific projects. On the bill, we will hand the Deputy the bill when we get it. There is a framework that we agreed already, which has gone through a huge examination by the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform.

Comment on this