Road projects in Ireland are being delayed because there is a lack of urgency urgency in progressing upgrades and improvement works, Fianna Fail has claimed.

Spokesperson on Regional, Rural, Gaeltacht & Island Affairs and TD for Galway West Éamon Ó Cuív hit out at Transport Minister Shane Ross after he said the planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).

Deputy Ó Cuív said: "I am becoming increasingly concerned that important roads projects are being delayed because there is a lack of interest and urgency in progressing upgrades and improvement works. Despite meeting with the N59 campaign group in February and June this year, and giving the impression that he will be able to move the project along, he has now effectively washed his hands of it, in a reply to me, claiming that it's the responsibility of TII.

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"There can be no room for complacency on this issue. The Minister needs to clearly state whether it is still the intention of the Government, as outlined in Transport 21, to ensure that funding is prioritised towards national secondary routes along the coast – serving Donegal, Mayo, Galway, Clare, Kerry and Cork principally. This was a key aspect of Transport 21, which would serve to boost connectivity along the west coast and access to the Wild Atlantic Way.

"Minister Ross was always outspoken on important issues, but since being appointed a Minister, he appears to be more interested in issues outside his remit rather than concentrating on matters within his own Department."

(CD/LM)