Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 26 Jan 2000

Vol. 513 No. 1

Written Answers. - Roads Projects.

Phil Hogan

Question:

134 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will clarify the contents of the national development plan in respect of the proposed motorway and dual carriageway route between Waterford and Dublin and the apparent contradiction outlined on page 12 of the executive summary of this plan; and if he will support the case of the Carlow and Kilkenny local authorities to sanction the N9 route as the preferred route to service the vehicular transport requirements of the south east region as a whole. [1687/00]

Brian O'Shea

Question:

554 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if the further evaluation of the road type and route for the proposed upgraded Waterford to Dublin road will be completed by 31 December 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1679/00]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 134 and 554 together.

The national development plan 2000-06, together with the Community Support Framework, when agreed with the European Commission and the Economic and Social Infrastructure Operational Programme, will form the strategic policy context for the improvement of the national road infrastructure over the next seven years. It will be a matter for the NRA, within this framework, to promote the more detailed programming of the work required and to manage, in co-operation with local authorities, the planning, design and implementation of individual road development projects.

In so far as the Dublin to Waterford route is concerned the National Roads Authority is as required under the national development plan carrying out an evaluation of the route in order to determine the best solution. I understand that this is being treated as a matter of urgency.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

135 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will provide additional funds to Kerry County Council for strengthening the non-national road network in the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1452/00]

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

573 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will allow a postponement to 2001 of national car testing for motorists in County Kerry in view of the deplorable condition of the roads in the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1818/00]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 135 and 573 together.

I intend to announce non-national road grant allocations for 2000 on 31 January. I emphasise that Kerry County Council has received significant and increasing funding for non-national roads in recent years, ie. £7.815 million in 1997, £9.077 million in 1998 and £10.746 million in 1999.

It is not proposed to provide for further exemptions from the national car test.