Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 March 2020
1046. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be considered for the extension of the M3 motorway to Cavan town and the east west link, which are urgently needed in the north-east; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2884/20]
View answerIn relation to the East West link, this year I again allocated €100,000 to Cavan County Council to enable the Council to continue their work in undertaking an appraisal to assess the extent to which the scheme or elements of it can be justified in terms of the Public Spending Code and the Common Appraisal Framework. Preparation of an appraisal is the responsibility of the Council. Following the completion of this appraisal work the possible funding of future upgrade works would be dependent on a number of matters including the outcome of the appraisal, Government policy and the availability of funding.
Regarding the M3, 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 with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the planning, design and construction, including the distribution of funding for individual national roads, is a matter for TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
