Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 March 2017
295. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the N2 Clontibret to the Border road scheme; the amount that has been spent on this route to date; the status of the A5 section; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12318/17]
View answer296. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of phase 3 works of the N2 Monaghan to Emyvale route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12319/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 295 and 296 together.
As 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 road projects (including sections of the N2 road scheme) is a matter for the Transport Infrastructure Ireland 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. Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy’s questions regarding the N2 to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don’t receive a reply within 10 working days. Part of Parliamentary Question No. 295 [ref. 12318/17] asked about the status of the A5; the planning and implementation of the A5 project is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland authorities. As the Deputy is aware, the Stormont House Agreement and Implementation Plan - A Fresh Start - reaffirmed the Government's commitment to provide funding of £50 million for the A5 project and committed an additional £25 million to ensure that Phase 1 of the project (Newbuildings to north of Strabane) can commence as soon as the necessary planning issues have been resolved by the Northern Ireland authorities.
The A5 project was discussed at the North South Ministerial Council Transport Sectoral meeting on 12th December. The Council noted that the Public Inquiry into the road scheme opened on 4 October 2016 and that the Inspector's report is expected around May 2017.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
