Denis Naughten
Question:321 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the progress to date on the delivery of the inter-urban motorways; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13794/04]
View answerTuesday, 11 May 2004
Questions (290)
Written answers
The current position in relation to the upgrading of the five major inter-urban routes to motorway-high quality dual carriageway standard is that the M1 is expected to be fully complete by end 2006. Work is underway on major projects on the N7-Monasterevin bypass and Limerick southern ring road phase 1 — on the N8-Cashel bypass — and on the N4-N6 — Kilcock-Kinnegad. Work is expected to start this year on the Dundalk western bypass and Dundalk to Newry on the M1, on Fermoy bypass — N8-Waterford city bypass — N9-N25 — and Naas Road widening — N7.
Completion of these projects will eliminate many of the major bottlenecks on these routes. In addition it is expected that compulsory purchase orders and environmental impact statements for the remaining projects in planning on these routes will either be approved by or be before An Bord Pleanála by end 2004.
On the national roads programme overall it should be noted that since 2000, 37 projects — over 250 kilometres — have been completed. Work is in progress on 17 projects — 150 kilometres — and another 17 projects — 160 kilometres — are at tender stage.