Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 December 2016
465. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if work has commenced in the early activities in the construction of the M20 Cork to Limerick motorway, as set out in decision one of his update of the project; and if this stage of the process has not commenced, when it will commence. [38446/16]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual national road projects is a matter for the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (formerly known as the NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for TII in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.
As I have indicated previously, I have agreed that TII can proceed with some early activities related to restarting planning for the proposed M20 scheme. Additional funding will need to be made available to my Department if the project is to be progressed beyond those early activities. As this preparatory (early activity) work is being undertaken by TII, I have referred the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply. Please contact my office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
