The route has been delayed for nearly a decade and a half.
The Transport Minister says a midlands road project, which has been delayed for nearly 15 years, will be considered for funding in "future years."
The new section of the N52 between Kilbeggan and Tullamore has been without sufficient money to progress the route since it was first proposed in 2009, and has since gone through two preferred route selection stages.
It's feared if funding isn't allocated for the project next year, it will be back to the drawing board for a third time.
Transport Minister Eamon Ryan says the government has to be selective in which routes are prioritised:
Read More: Fears Midlands Road Project Delays Will Lead To Unnecessary State Spending