103. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport his position on funding for transport infrastructure upgrades in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8754/25]

Sentiment score: 0.01

My question relates to the Minister's plans to fund public transport infrastructure upgrades across Waterford city and county.

Sentiment score: 0.00

I agree with the Minister on the transformative nature of the north quays project, which we all want to see progressed as quickly as possible. I will raise the issue of upgrading the N24, which is the Waterford to Limerick road. I spoke to the Minister privately on this a number of weeks ago. I know he received a letter from the three CEOs of the local authorities in Carlow-Kilkenny, Waterford and Tipperary. He will know that the project was funded up to phase 1. We now need phases 2, 3 and 4 to be fully funded. My understanding is that there is an ask of approximately €8 million over the next three years and €2.2 million is needed to advance phases 3 and 4 in 2025. The CEOs of the local authorities are looking for that commitment. The Minister will know that the preferred transport route has been agreed and has gone out for public consultation. That will include bypasses for Clonmel, Carrick-on-Suir, Kilsheelan and, I think, Mooncoin. Is he committed to providing that €2.2 million in 2025?

Sentiment score: 0.13

This is important from a road safety perspective. Approximately 60% of the improvements that will be carried out are improvements to the existing road network. The three bypasses form approximately 40% of the project, as the Minister will know. That is in line with the Department's guidelines. This is very important economically because it concerns the connectivity of two major cities, namely, Waterford and Limerick. It is an opportunity for Waterford to have an improved road network and improved transport connectivity with the west of Ireland, so it is important. I agree there is also a need to upgrade the N25, which is the Waterford to Cork route. Colleagues across the Waterford and Cork area have lobbied extensively for this over the past number of years. I was in contact with the Ballymacarbry road action group. Ballymacarbry is a village in County Waterford. People there have worked with the local council, which has put in a funding request for traffic-calming measures outside the school. These are also important issues. Will the Minister look into that and look favourably on it? It is a very important improvement for people who live in the Ballymacarbry area and parish.

Sentiment score: 0.25