Vol. 572 No. 3
72 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has received a request from the National Roads Authority for an additional ?300 million in funding for 2004 which it says it needs to complete the road building programme by 2010; the response he has given to the request; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23122/03]
My Department works closely with the National Roads Authority on the funding and management of the national roads programme, as set out in the National Development Plan and, in conjunction with the National Development Finance Agency, the development of new and additional sources of funding, including the further development of the PPP programme.
I am currently examining the funding requirements for the roads programme for 2004 and beyond in consultation with the NRA and my colleague, the Minister for Finance. This examination must have regard to the prevailing budgetary circumstances, the current and projected implementation status of key projects, and the capacity of the construction industry. In this context, the NRA have indicated that the availability of additional funding in 2004 would facilitate more accelerated delivery of the programme. I have not, however, received a specific request for an additional allocation of €300 million in 2004.
