I want to ask the Taoiseach about the Farranfore to Lissyviggeen N22 road scheme, the Killarney outer bypass scheme. Traffic congestion in and around Killarney town is now a serious issue. On the doors at the weekends, the issue is constantly coming up. People are very frustrated with the time it takes now to travel in and around Killarney. During my time in politics, this has proven to be one of the most frustrating issues I have dealt with. Unfortunately, I am leaving at a time when it has not been progressed. I was glad to see the N22 Ballyvourney to Macroom section completed in my time and certainly moved forward during my time in the Department of Transport. This particular project has proven very frustrating. Will the Taoiseach ensure this is a priority in any future Government he will be involved with? It is badly needed for the socioeconomic life of Killarney and the surrounding districts and needs to be prioritised.

I thank Deputy Griffin for raising this issue and I look forward to discussing it further in Killarney in the next couple of days. My understanding is technical advisers were appointed for the scheme in April 2020. I have been told that the Department of Transport has advised that TII can provide the money required to Kerry County Council to progress the route option selection phase. A preferred route is expected in quarter 4 of this year, in other words by the end of the year. Absolutely, this is a project I will take a very active interest in and I will continue to keep in touch with the Deputy and his colleagues on it.