I want to ask the Taoiseach about the Virginia bypass in County Cavan. The development of this bypass will deliver a sustainable solution for transportation problems identified along the N3 through Virginia town and its environs. It has been talked about for too many years. Significant safety and transportation issues have been identified within the area. Virginia town and its environs experience a level of both local and through traffic using the N3. Tendering was earmarked to begin this year with construction due to start in 2028 for completion by 2031. Last week's announcement followed a motion raised by my colleague in Cavan County Council, Councillor T.P. O'Reilly, seeking an update on the progression of the Virginia bypass. He was told that the planning stage will now not be lodged until the end of next year. People in the Cavan and Meath area are very frustrated. Will the Taoiseach make a statement on the matter?

I understand that funding to get the ball rolling was allocated to that project by the Minister today. It was announced at 12.45 p.m., subject to being checked. The Deputy can check that. I do not race ahead of the announcement of the news like some people do. I will leave it at that, but I acknowledge that it is an important project.

Can the Deputy announce it?

He has got a kind of half-positive response from me. My good colleague here has alerted me to the fact that the announcement today includes an allocation of funding for the commencement of that project.