I thank the Minister of State for taking this Commencement matter. I know it does not fall under his brief but he has a keen interest in supporting proper infrastructure around the country. He has visited Newbridge, County Kildare and witnessed the congestion at the bridge.

This bridge is the only entrance to Newbridge, a growing town with a population of over 30,000. There are five schools, one of which recently received permission to go to tender process next year to increase its capacity from 650 to 1,000. Another secondary school across the road has also applied to extend. That is badly needed in our town. In fact, we need new primary and secondary schools in the town. However, we must consider that pinch point for anyone who is coming into or leaving Newbridge. I struggle over that bridge twice a day. Particularly when leaving in the morning, the traffic congestion can add 30 to 40 minutes to a journey.

Given the fact that we have a lot of investment in the area close to this bridge, around Old Connell, we need to ensure there is moving traffic at all times. This is not a new topic. I have brought it up several times. Back in 2019, Kildare County Council applied for funding from the urban regeneration and development fund, URDF, but was unsuccessful.

This bridge is only one quarter of the project for an outer link road, but the rest of it is practically done, so it is the remaining link. Planning permission was given two years ago for a 170 m five-span bridge, a 790 m distributor road and associated active travel links and amenity space. This project absolutely must be prioritised to relieve the chronic congestion at the existing bridge, to improve overall traffic circulation around Newbridge and to provide east-west connectivity. At present, all the traffic is forced back through the town centre. With the significant housing growth south of the river, this pressure is only increasing.

Planning permission was secured by a private company who owned the land over which the approach road to the bridge would be built. Part of that land is with An Bord Pleanála in relation to a strategic housing zone, SHZ. I know there are no such zones anymore but that land has been in the system since those zones started to apply. The company has, to be fair, made it clear that should it not get planning permission, it is willing to co-operate with Kildare County Council and the Department. I cannot see why we have a delay. Last June, the council submitted a business plan to the Department of Transport, but has heard nothing back. This project is crucial for Newbridge and the surrounding areas. As we approach Christmastime, unfortunately, we sometimes see people choosing not to come, even though Newbridge is a fine shopping town, because of the traffic congestion. I hope the Minister of State has some positive news and an update on this badly needed second bridge for Newbridge.

I am taking this matter on behalf of the Minister for Transport. I thank the Senator for raising the matter and for explaining the need for the project so succinctly. She is raising the importance of, and necessity, for a second bridge for Newbridge linking the Great Connell Road and the Athgarvan Road over the River Liffey.

The Senator will also be aware, as outlined in the 2025 regional and local roads programme, that the Government is strongly committed to protecting the existing road network. As we all know, this network is fundamental in connecting people and places across the country. It is also important to highlight the improvement and maintenance of the regional and local road network is a statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the Roads Act 1993.

Ireland's regional and local road network spans over 96,000 km and requires significant funding to ensure it remains fit for purpose. As such, on 14 February 2025, the Minister for Transport, Deputy O'Brien, announced an Exchequer investment of €713 million for our regional and local roads across the State, which represents an increase of 8% year on year.

Due to pressures on the regional and local road network, the primary focus for capital investment under the regional and local road grant programme is on the maintenance and renewal of the network, the implementation of the strategic regional and local road projects identified for development, subject to necessary approvals in the national development plan, NDP, and targeted minor safety schemes across the regional and local road network. Any road improvement projects proposed by local authorities for consideration for funding under the strategic grant programme are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects put forward by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the infrastructure guidelines, formerly the public spending code, and the Department's transport appraisal framework. Given the limited funding available for regional and local road improvement works, it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind.

In 2025, Kildare County Council was allocated €20,828,600 for the maintenance and improvement of its regional and local roads network, of which over €19 million was allocated to road protection and renewal. In addition, the Department is providing funding for three strategic regional and local road improvement schemes, namely, NDP scheme Athy southern distributor road, NDP scheme R407 Sallins By-Pass and the Osberstown interchange, as well as the Newbridge south orbital relief route.

As regards the Newbridge south orbital relief route scheme, Kildare County Council submitted a preliminary appraisal application in late 2023, with an approximate cost estimate of €12.5 million. It was noted to the council that the project would require a business case to be developed in order for the council to substantiate the need for the scheme, which addresses the transport issues or opportunities and provides value for money. The Department made an allocation to the council in 2025 in support of the preparation of a business case for the Newbridge south outer orbital route.

In summary, the Minister for Transport recognises the importance of the funding provided to local authorities for the protection and renewal of the regional and local road network, together with some targeted investment in road improvement projects. This funding helps to maintain a safe road network for people on a day-to-day basis. Regarding the Newbridge south orbital route, the most up-to-date position is the Department made an allocation to the council this year to support the preparation of a business case for the route and that is where it sits from the Department's point of view at present.

I thank the Minister of State for his response. He mentioned the Department was providing funding for three strategic regional and local road improvement schemes in Kildare, including the Newbridge south orbital relief route. This bridge is part of the relief route and fits exactly into what he talked about.

I acknowledge the Department made an allocation to the council in support of the preparation of a business case. That business case has been back with the Department for about eight months. I was looking for an update on the actual business case.

I appreciate these cases have to be made. The cost of projects is important and we all need value for money, but I reiterate this is reaching a traffic congestion crisis in Newbridge. A decision must be made on it. After eight months, the Department should be able to make an assessment on the business case that was proffered. I am really disappointed there is not a response on that in particular.

I will certainly relay to the Minister for Transport, Deputy O'Brien, the fact that the Senator raised this, and the urgent need for progress regarding the south orbital route in particular and the development of the bridge.

I will also seek a further update from the Department in respect of the progress report on the business case and as much information it can provide in relation to the next steps on this. The Senator has clearly outlined the significant traffic challenges as a result of the congestion at present, the need for this relief route to relieve that and the fact it is urgent that there is further engagement with the county council by the Department and the Government on how the project can progress and deliver benefit to the local area and the people of Newbridge.

I thank the Senator for raising this today and for her very clear and ardent advocacy on that, and I will certainly relay that in detail to the Department and Minister, as well as its importance.