Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 June 2005
36 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to any negotiations currently taking place relating to a proposal for the State to buy out the West Link toll bridge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21172/05]
View answer85 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Transport if the NRA has yet reported to him on the outcome of his engagement with NTR in relation to the current contract for the M50 toll bridge; if so, the details of its report and the action he is taking on foot of it; and if not, when he expects the NRA to report to him on the matter. [21242/05]
View answer107 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he has been informed by the NRA on its talks with the NTR; if he has received a report from the NRA on these talks; the central issues which are on the agenda during these talks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21227/05]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 36, 85 and 107 together.
I am aware that, in the context of the upgrade of the M50 and my policy objective to move to open road tolling, the National Roads Authority, NRA, is in negotiation with NTR on a range of issues affecting the West Link toll agreement. Any matters arising from the NRA's negotiations with NTR will be a matter in the first instance for the NRA to consider.
The NRA will report to me on the outcome of its engagement with NTR, including any implications for the current agreement. I am anxious to see the various M50 related issues progressed as rapidly as possible, including the move to open road tolling, and I expect, therefore, to receive the outcome of the negotiations from the NRA at the earliest possible date.
