The Comptroller and Auditor General has recently completed a value for money examination, under the Comptroller and Auditor General Act, 1993, on the development of the national road network by the National Roads Authority; the report has been laid before the House.
The report, inter alia, acknowledges the strengthening which has taken place of the processes for the strategic management of national road development, the significant improvements which have been made to the national road network over the past decade, and the measures taken to improve systems for cost estimation-control. It also identifies areas in the planning and implementation of national road projects where it is considered further improvements can be made by NRA and local authorities. The report is being considered by NRA and, where appropriate, additional measures will be developed with a view to enhancing the value for money realised from investment in national roads.
My Department and NRA will be responding in detail to the report when it comes to be considered by the Committee of Public Accounts.