Road Projects

Thursday, 19 January 2023

Questions (85)

James O'Connor

Question:

85. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the N25 Midleton to Youghal project, including the Castlemartyr bypass; if he will provide a timeline for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2274/23]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Transport

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 Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on regarding the N25 Midleton to Youghal project including the Castlemartyr bypass.

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.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

I refer to your recent parliamentary question, Ref. No. 2274/23, to Mr Eamon Ryan TD, Minister for Transport. The position in relation to your enquiry is as follows.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) allocated €100,000 to Cork County Council to progress the N25 Midleton to Youghal Scheme during 2022. This scheme will include a bypass of Castlemartyr and Killeagh villages.

Since May 2022, Cork County Council has procured a Technical Advisor to prepare a Strategic Assessment Report (SAR), as required by the Public Spending Code. It is anticipated that following receipt of the SAR, TII will seek Gate 0 (SAR) approval from Department of Transport in the first quarter of 2023.

If approval from the Department of Transport is forthcoming and subject to the availability of funding in 2023, the project would then be progressed by Cork County Council, as road authority for the County, to Phase 1: ‘Concept and Feasibility’, of TII’s Project Management Guidelines.

I hope that this information is of assistance to you.