Skip to main content
Normal View

Brexit Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 January 2019

Tuesday, 22 January 2019

Questions (551, 552, 554)

James Browne

Question:

551. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to provide funding to extend the M11 motorway to Rosslare Europort in view of the threats of Brexit and the need to develop ports here to ensure access to the Continent. [2592/19]

View answer

James Browne

Question:

552. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to provide funding to develop the access roads in the Rosslare Europort area in view of the threats of Brexit and the need to develop ports here to ensure access to the Continent. [2593/19]

View answer

James Browne

Question:

554. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he will take to examine road connectivity between Rosslare Europort and the west of the country in view of the importance of increasing direct accessibility between the west and continental Europe in order to avoid a likely UK customs delays post Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2595/19]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 551, 552 and 554 together.

As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme.  Once funding arrangements have been put in place, under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the planning, design and operation of individual roads is a matter for the relevant road authority in relation to local and regional roads, or for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in conjunction with the local authorities concerned, in relation to national roads. 

However, with regard to the N11 project, I have been advised by TII that the N11 Gorey to Enniscorthy project is progressing well and is on target for completion in 2019.  The connection from Oilgate to Roslare project is identified as a pre-appraisal/early planning project in the National Development plan.  Wexford County Council is the Contracting Authority and TII are working with the local authority in term of appraising and delivering this project.

On the issue of Ports development, I can advise that strengthening access routes to Ireland’s ports through investment to upgrade and enhance the road transport network is, and remains, a Government priority.   My Department is in consultation with TII regarding the relationship between ports development and road infrastructure development in order to ensure that the best options for accessibility and connectivity are achieved.

The UK’s exit from the EU highlights the importance of high quality international maritime connectivity and the importance of continuing investment to further improve the quality of port facilities. This is relevant to all our Ports of National Significance, both Tier 1 and Tier 2 (Ports of Waterford and Rosslare), given their potential role in maintaining transportation linkages with crucial EU markets.

In terms of Brexit,  a whole-of Government approach has been adopted in relation to our key ports  through the establishment of an Inter-Departmental Committee to ensure that ports have the necessary infrastructure in place for Brexit.

All three Ports of National Significance (Tier 1) – Dublin, Cork and Shannon Foynes – are currently undertaking major capital infrastructure programmes. These programmes will enhance national and international connectivity, and provide for future increases in trade and national port capacity requirements by facilitating more vessels, larger sized vessels and increased tonnage and throughput. All of these developments must be financed by the companies themselves without recourse to the Exchequer.

Irish Rail has recently  completed a detailed report on Rosslare and a €15 million plan to  transform Rosslare Europort has been approved by the board. Irish Rail and Rosslare Europort are committed to an investment plan for the year.

In the context of connectivity from East to West of the country, the National Development Plan (NDP) specifies that there will be significant investment in connectivity through improved roads and international access and supply chains through our Ports. 

Noting the above position, I have referred the questions  to TII for a more detailed and direct reply on the issues raised concerning national road infrastructure projects.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A
Question No. 553 answered with Question No. 526.
Question No. 554 answered with Question No. 551.
Top
Share