Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 July 2012
701 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide in detail his response to the decision of an Bord Pleanála to refuse planning permission for a bypass at a location (details supplied) in County Meath which he promised within 90 days of the decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31994/12]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
The grounds for the refusal of permission for the bypass included the fact that An Bord Pleanála was not convinced, inter alia, that all possible traffic management alternatives had been fully explored. Statutory responsibility for traffic management rests with the local authority. The NRA has informed me that it has undertaken to support Meath County Council in the examination of traffic management options. In this context Meath County Council has been undertaking additional traffic survey work and will be liaising with the NRA over the summer on the response to the Board's decision.
702 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when planning permission will be reapplied for in respect of a bypass at a location (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31995/12]
View answer703 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures that will be put in place in Slane, County Meath, to improve road safety on the primary N2 route in advance of any decision to grant planning permission for a bypass of the village; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31996/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 702 and 703 together.
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
