94. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Transport to include the Portlaoise northern orbital route and the Mountmellick bypass in the revised national development plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28042/25]

Sentiment score: 0.01

I ask the Government to include both the Portlaoise northern orbital route and the Mountmellick bypass in the revised national development plan. They are not just local road projects; they are critical infrastructure with regional and national significance. As the Minister of State knows, Portlaoise is one of Ireland's fastest growing towns. The town is already under pressure from traffic congestion with heavy volumes of vehicles passing through daily. The northern orbital route has long been identified as a key priority to ease congestion in the town centre, improve road safety and enhance the quality of life for residents and businesses.

Sentiment score: 0.13

We do not need consideration; we need money. This road is vital to redirect HGVs coming from Rosslare to the west of Ireland. We are trying to move this traffic away from residential areas, schools and hospitals. This route is also essential to future-proof Portlaoise for sustainable growth under the national planning framework. Without this orbital route, development is hindered, traffic continues to choke the town and emissions increase. It is clear that inclusion of the Portlaoise northern orbital route in the revised national development plan is needed now. The bypass needed in Mountmellick is equally important. Mountmellick has suffered severe traffic bottlenecks for years especially during the school rush hour. This is more than an inconvenience; it is a safety issue. The main streets in Mountmellick were never designed to carry the present volume or weight of traffic, including articulated lorries and agricultural machinery. The lack of a bypass affects the town's viability, slows economic development and poses safety risks to pedestrians and cyclists. It also affects regional connectivity, which we spoke about, between Tullamore, Portlaoise and surrounding areas. A Mountmellick bypass has been on the agenda for decades. It is time to move it into action.

Sentiment score: 0.01

These two projects must be included in the revised national development plan to address fair regional development, align with national goals, reduce emissions, promote balanced regional development and support active travel and safer roads. The Portlaoise northern orbital route and the Mountmellick bypass projects would complement existing investment in the region's rail network. I urge the Minister of State to work with these county councils and Transport Infrastructure Ireland to ensure that the Portlaoise northern orbital route and the Mountmellick bypass are fully recognised and funded within the revised NDP. When I was a councillor, I sat in Laois County Council during the previous NDP plan, and we were not included. We got nothing out of it. We were told the plan was closed for ten years, but because there was a general election that envelope was opened up. I assure the Minister of State that now that I am a TD, I will make sure these projects are in it. When the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, came off at junction 17 recently, he saw the road that goes down through the business park and travels solely to the west of Ireland. Not one shilling did it get from the former Minister, Eamon Ryan. I pleaded with him to give us money, but not a fivepenny piece did he give us for that. We funded that out of our own coffers in Laois County Council, so the Minister owes it to us to put us into that national development plan.

Sentiment score: 0.17

I thank the Minister of State for that.

Sentiment score: 0.36