Vol. 544 No. 4
214 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the extent to which the dispute between the Irish Farmers Association and the National Roads Authority is impeding the implementation of the plans to build a number of motorways and dual carriageways; if these delays are likely to result in the loss of EU funding; and the likely losses involved. [29217/01]
Responsibility for the detailed programming and delivery of the national road improvements provided for in the national development plan rests with the National Roads Authority in conjunction with the relevant local authorities. I understand from the authority that significant delays have occurred in the planning and design of a number of road schemes as a result of action taken by land-holders in relation to the compulsory acquisition of farmland. However, I do not expect that the disruption caused to date will give rise to a loss of EU funding for national roads.
High level discussions between my Department and representatives of the farming community are continuing with a view to resolving problems concerning the compulsory acquisition of farmland. I hope that the remaining difficulties are overcome as quickly as possible so that work on the delivery of the national roads programme can continue.
