Road Projects

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 January 2015

Thursday, 29 January 2015

Questions (198)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

198. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the protocols and processes in place to enable the National Roads Authority resolve detailed design issues with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, NPWS, as outlined in An Bord Pleanála's decision on the compulsory purchase order for the road from Uachtar Ard to An Teach Dóite, County Galway; if she will ensure, on the one hand, that the development of this project does not cause ecological damage and, on the other, that it goes ahead expeditiously; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4133/15]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

The granting of consent for this road project was subject to a number of conditions by the relevant planning authority, including the requirement for the Construction Stage Erosion and Sediment Control Plan and all method statements to be approved by Galway County Council and agreed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department, as well as Inland Fisheries Ireland. My officials have agreed a process with Galway County Council in this regard and to date one method statement has been submitted and subsequently agreed. It is expected that there will be a substantial number of method statements developed over the lifetime of this project and my Department will engage with the process as expeditiously as possible, having regard to our obligations under European law. It is important that the project proceeds in a manner that is fully compliant with Ireland’s obligations under EU law and all of the authorities involved, including, Galway County Council, have a responsibility in this regard.