As 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. The route is recommended for inclusion in the Trans European Comprehensive Road Network along with a number of other routes across the country. No specific funding stream is available for works on these routes. The final decision on the inclusion, or otherwise, of specific routes has not yet been reached.
As mentioned above, responsibility for the sequencing of any works on TENS route, will rest with the NRA and the relevant local authority. Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy’s question to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.