Local Cavan/Monaghan Fianna Fáil TD, Brendan Smith has been informed by Transport Infrastructure Ireland that the proposed bypass of Virginia is not included in the programme of major works to be undertaken in the period 2016-2021.

Brendan Smith said that he had tabled further Parliamentary Questions in Dáil Éireann to the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, on the need to progress this proposed bypass and subsequently Transport Infrastructure Ireland replied.

‘The Government’s capital investment plan, “Building on Recovery – Infrastructure and Capital Investment”, provides the financial and strategic framework for TII’s activities during the period from 2016 to 2021. A bypass of Virginia is not included amongst those projects which have been identified for development during the period of the plan and, accordingly, the advancement of the design of the proposed scheme cannot be accommodated in the national roads programme at present’ stated Transport Infrastructure Ireland in their response to Deputy Brendan Smith.

Brendan Smith stated that the lack of a bypass in Virginia is the major missing link in the M3/N3 road Cavan to Dublin and is indicative of the last Government’s lack of investment in rural Ireland.

“The provision of a bypass in Virginia is absolutely essential for the further economic development of County Cavan. Again I have asked Transport Infrastructure Ireland to include Virginia in any review of its roadworks programme. It is not acceptable that at this present time it would appear that it will be at least the year 2021 before this project will even be advanced in planning never mind construction” stated Brendan Smith.

Local Fianna Fáil Councillor Shane P O’Reilly has also expressed his disappointment with the reply by Transport Infrastructure Ireland and he said that he will be pursuing this matter again at County Council level and he will be emphasising the need to progress this project.

ENDS 1/06/2016