We read last week that there was a €100 million underspend in the Department of Transport. Both the Taoiseach and Tánaiste confirmed to me a number of weeks ago that any underspend could be used or redirected to progress the N4 upgrade from the Westmeath border down into Longford to serve the north west. All that is needed is €2 million to enable the move to the next stage, so you can understand the frustration that locals feel when they read about the €100 million underspend and €2 million would help progress a much-needed piece of infrastructure.

Also, earlier this week the Ombudsman took to the airwaves and was highly critical of the lack of support for transport for people who have a disability. Again, imagine the frustration felt by people with a disability who need access to transport and they read in the newspapers about €100 million not spent.

I appreciate the Deputy raising this important issue. In the first instance, it is important this Government fulfils its commitments to communities under the national development plan, and that means making tangible progress on a number of roads projects, including the N4 upgrade for the people of Westmeath and Longford. The profile of spending varies through the year but it is important we do not have an underspend when it comes to the roads budget. That is why this is getting careful examination within the Department of Transport and across Government because it is important that we continue to make progress. As the Minister of State who chairs the committee relating to road safety, I am concerned about some of the road safety issues on that road and on other roads that need progress from a capital perspective. I will work with Deputy Troy and with colleagues to try to make progress on that and on other important roads projects during this year.