Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 6 Mar 2001

Vol. 532 No. 1

Written Answers. - Roads Funding.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

226 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government which Department provided the capital funding for the design and construction of the M4 bypass at Maynooth, County Kildare; if he has received any indication regarding defective design; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6907/01]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

262 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the circumstances and conditions under which capital funding was provided by his Department for the design and construction of the M4 bypass at Maynooth, County Kildare; the precise conditions under which funding was provided; the year in which it was provided; if the existence of any design defects have been brought to his attention with particular reference to the flooding of the motorway; if any investigation has been carried out to ascertain the cause or causes of such defects; if good value for money has been achieved in the course of the works involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6908/01]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 226 and 262 together.

The M4 motorway opened early in 1994. The NRA was established with effect from 1 January 1994 and assumed responsibility for all national roads from that date. Issues connected with the flooding of the M4 are accordingly a matter for the NRA to address, in co-operation with the local authority concerned.

An annual block grant is provided by my Department to the NRA which has responsibility for the funding and programming of individual projects. My Department provided grant aid to Kildare County Council for the design and construction of the M4 in a number of years preceding the establishment of the NRA. In this connec tion, I am satisfied that the motorway drainage systems were designed in accordance with accepted practice and standards.

The overall project consisted of approximately 17.6 km of dual carriageway motorway by-passing the towns of Kilcock, Maynooth and Leixlip and involved the construction of 11 bridges, including a major crossing over the River Liffey. The overall project cost was £63 million. Normal procedures were followed in advancing the construction of the road.

I am satisfied that this important piece of infrastructure has significantly contributed to the improvement of the N4/M4 route.