Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 November 2012
734. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the action he has taken in the wake of An Bord Pleanála's decision to refuse planning permission for the Slane bypass; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52756/12]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism & 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.
Following An Bord Pleanála’s decision, Meath County Council, in liaison with the NRA began evaluating traffic management options, including restricting HGV traffic and tolling. As part of this work the NRA commissioned a report on tolling options in the area. This report has been completed and made available to the various interested parties. Meath County Council commissioned AECOM to prepare a Slane Traffic Management Study and I understand that the Council is holding a public consultation on that study. As statutory responsibility for traffic management rests with the local authority, it will be a matter for Meath County Council to decide, following on from this public consultation, how it wishes to proceed with regard to the implementation of traffic management measures.
