The decision of the Government to purchase the Hammerson site on O'Connell Street - the site of the old Carlton Cinema - clearly shows the intent and determination of the Government to progress and complete the MetroLink project. Hopefully, the intent and determination are not limited to MetroLink or to other transport projects within the Dublin area. As the Taoiseach will know, I am referring to the Galway city ring road, which has been granted planning permission. However, that grant is subject to judicial review, which could derail the project. The city cannot countenance that, and the region needs this project urgently.

There are also approximately 50 families who are subject to the compulsory purchase order, CPO, process. I ask that there would be an early settlement strategy for those families. They have been aware for over ten years now that their homes and lands are subject to this process and that they will have to move on. It is important that we move on this at the earliest opportunity for those families and for the good of the project.

First of all, I thank Deputy Connolly for raising this issue. He has been a consistently strong advocate for the Galway city ring road. I accept his point that there has to be a similar intensity in terms of getting this project under way as there is in terms of the metro because this is choking Galway. It is extremely difficult for people living in the Galway area to get from A to B. It also has potentially significant negative impacts on industry in the Galway region, particularly for people and families more generally. I have said to the Minister for Transport that I believe very strong engagement should take place. It is not for Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII, but the councils and so on, but the Deputy's idea of an early settlement strategy is one I would put to the Minister and it is one that should be embarked upon.