Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 June 2025
178. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the costing and procurement analysis carried out in relation to the contract the Government has signed with a company (details supplied) to build the M28 motorway, and its compliance with Government procurement frameworks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28255/25]
View answerAs 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.
It is important to point out that the Infrastructure Guidelines (formerly the Public Spending Code) set out a number of Approval Gates for large capital projects such as the M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy Project. With regard to the procurement process involved, TII and Cork County Council prepared a detailed procurement strategy for the main construction contract which was approved by the then Minister for Transport in January 2024, as is required at Approval Gate 2 of the Infrastructure Guidelines.
On the conclusion of the tendering process by Cork County Council and TII, a Final Business Case for the project was submitted to the Department of Transport in December 2024. This was appraised by Department officials from a policy and economic perspective, and a Memo for Government was submitted recommending approval to go to construction. This was approved at the cabinet meeting of April 8th this year, as is required at Approval Gate 3 of the Infrastructure Guidelines.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply detailing the procurement process. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
