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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Sep 2003

Vol. 571 No. 1

Written Answers. - Driving Tests.

Denis Naughten

Question:

1082 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline the plans he has to privatise the driving test system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21009/03]

Implementation of the national roads programme is a matter for the NRA within the strategic framework set out in the NDP and the Economic and Social Infrastructure Operational Programme. Within this framework and having regard to funding available the implementation of individual projects and the allocation of funding, is the responsibility of the NRA.

The position overall in relation to funding of the national roads upgrade programme is that the annual exchequer investment in the programme is at an all time high of €1.209 billion. Total exchequer investment over the period will be approximately €3.8 billion over 30% in excess of that forecast in the NDP. The beneficial impact of this investment is evident throughout the country in the schemes completed since 2000, those currently under way and those at tender stage.
In accordance with the strategic framework and the priorities set out in the NDP, the upgrading of the major inter-urban routes and the removal of bottlenecks on these routes has been prioritised, but this has not been to the exclusion of upgrade work on other national primary routes. Major upgrade work is currently under way – in addition to that on the major inter-urban routes – on the N2 – Carrickmacross bypass, N4 – Hughestown-Meera, N5 – Strokestown-Longford, N11 – Glen of the Downs and Rathnew-Ashford bypass, N18-N19 – Hurlers Cross, N22 – Ballincollig bypass, N26 – Ballina-Bohola; and the following projects are at tender stage: N2 – Ashbourne bypass, N4 – McNeads Bridge-Kinnegad, N4 – Sligo Inner Relief Road, N15 – Ballyshannon-Bundoran bypass, N33 – Ballycarthy-Tralee, N18 – Ennis bypass, N25 – Waterford city bypass, N25 – Kinsale Road interchange.
The NRA will keep the balance of the programme under review to ensure that high priority schemes throughout the country are advanced to construction and through planning as quickly as available funding allows. It is important, however, in this process that the NRA continue to deal with major bottlenecks and to advance the upgrading of the road links between our major cities and towns as a means of promoting more balanced regional development.
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