302. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport whether the N72/N73 Mallow Relief Road remains on schedule for submission of a planning application to An Coimisiún Pleanála in Quarter 4 of 2026; whether any outstanding design, environmental, business case or other matters could delay that submission; and if he will provide the current anticipated date for lodgement of the application. [65440/26]

303. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the current status of the N72/N73 Mallow Relief Road Project; whether Cork County Council has submitted the Preliminary Business Case to Transport Infrastructure Ireland as part of Approval Gate 1; if so, the date on which it was submitted; when a decision on Approval Gate 1 is expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65439/26]

312. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport whether the current design for the N72/N73 Mallow Relief Road continues to include the proposed active travel elements outlined during the environmental assessment process, including the approximately 2.6 kilometre walking and cycling link and proposed connection to Mallow Train Station; whether there have been any material changes to the project design since the Environmental Impact Assessment Scoping Report published in June 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65441/26]

313. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the current anticipated programme for delivery of the N72/N73 Mallow Relief Road; the expected commencement of advance works; the anticipated year for award of the main construction contract and the estimated construction period; and if the indicative programme previously provided by Transport Infrastructure Ireland of advance works in late 2027 and award of the main construction contract in 2029 remains unchanged. [65442/26]

325. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if the traffic modelling and preliminary business case for the N72/N73 Mallow relief road will take account of the existing and planned residential development and projected population growth in Mallow; the population and traffic growth assumptions being used in the appraisal of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65469/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 302, 303, 312, 313 and 325 together.

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.

I can confirm that €600,000 has been allocated for the N72/N73 Mallow Relief Road scheme in 2026. As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for the project will be kept under review for 2027 and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII.

Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.