Road Improvement Schemes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 February 2013

Wednesday, 20 February 2013

Questions (259, 263)

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

259. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport in view of the significant volume of heavy trucks drawing materials daily to and from the Corrib Gas development site since 2004 along the N59 which is the designated route as per planning permission and the consequent wear and tear and damage to this road particularly in sections between Ballina and Bellacorrick, the contribution Shell Ireland have been required to make towards this road for restoration and improvement works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8993/13]

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

263. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport in view of the volume of heavy trucks drawing materials daily to and from the Corrib gas development site along the N59 since 2004 which is the designated route as per planning permission and the consequent wear and tear and significant damage to and poor surface condition of this road particularly in sections between Ballina and Bellacorrick which have seen no restoration nor improvement works for years and in view of the fact that the Bord Gáis pipeline crosses the road several times along this stretch of the road and since the pipes were laid in 2007 no overlay surface finish works, the plans and priority he and the National Roads Authority have to bring the entire section of this road to an acceptable standard in view of its significance to the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9238/13]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 259 and 263 together.

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The maintenance of individual national roads is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.  Noting this, 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.