Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 June 2014
229. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the costs of developing service areas have been factored into overall motorway project costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27731/14]
View answer230. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the costs associated with developing online service areas as proposed by the National Roads Authority in its draft policy NRA service areas on the national road network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27732/14]
View answer241. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the expected costs of constructing an overbridge and ancillary roundabouts at the proposed service area on the M9 at Kilcullen between junctions 2 and 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27766/14]
View answer242. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the costs associated with developing online rest areas as proposed by the National Roads Authority in its draft policy NRA service areas on the national road network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27767/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 229, 230, 241 and 242 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The construction, improvement and maintenance of individual national roads, including service areas, is a matter for the National Roads Authority under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. In particular, Section 54 of the Roads Act 1993 specifically provides for the National Roads Authority or a local authority to provide and/or operate service areas.
Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for the NRA in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act. Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy’s questions to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
