asked the Minister for the Environment if the National Roads Authority has now given its views to Government on the Draft Blueprint for Road Development; his views on whether the Authority, in order to function effectively, must be established on a statutory footing and given sufficient powers to ensure that the national primary road network is brought up to European standards within a specific time frame; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - National Roads Authority.
31.
The National Roads Authority gave its views on the draft Blueprint for Road Development on 12 September and these are now being assessed.
When I launched the Authority last July, I indicated that it would operate initially on a non-statutory basis and that legislation would be required in due course to establish the authority on a statutory footing. I said that I was satisfied that the Authority would be able to operate effectively for a period without a specific legislative framework and that I therefore intended to wait some months before commencing the detailed drafting of the Bill.
I am satisfied that the Authority is operating effectively. I understand that the Authority proposes to submit recommendations to my Department shortly on the scope of the proposed legislation.