I thank the Taoiseach for coming to Cork yesterday to open the final phase of the Baile Bhuirne to Baile Mhic Íre road improvement scheme. The entire section from Baile Bhuirne to the far side of Macroom has now been upgraded. It is a fantastic piece of infrastructure and one for which we campaigned for a very long time. However, in terms of the economic corridor between Tralee and Cork city, the section from Coolcour, which is on the Cork side of Macroom, to Ovens, which is on the near side of Ballincollig, and the section from Killarney to Farranfore in County Kerry also need to be upgraded. We have seen the huge improvement that comes about from these upgrades and we need to see those final two phases completed now to complete that economic corridor. I ask the Taoiseach, as the Head of Government, to prioritise this and ensure that these projects, which are vital for economic progress in south-west region into the future, are completed.

I thank Deputy Griffin for his question.

It was great to be in Muskerry yesterday to open the final section of the N22 Macroom to Ballyvourney road. The fact there was such a big turnout from County Kerry, including Deputy Griffin, helped to remind me this is as much an investment in Kerry as it is an investment in Cork, improving access to and from the county, which will be good for investment, jobs and tourism. The first motion the Deputy put down when he was a member of Kerry County Council related to this project. We engaged on it during my time as Minister for Transport too, as well as with the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, who is seated beside me. As is always the case when you open a road, people tell you about the next project that is just down the line. When it comes to the Farranfore to Killarney scheme, I am told the selection of a preferred route is expected to be completed in the first quarter of next year but, obviously, would require additional funding beyond that to move the project along. It is listed in the current national development plan and will be considered for funding as part of the annual allocation process.