Road Projects

Thursday, 24 September 2020

Questions (12, 15)

Brian Stanley

Question:

12. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport his plans to advance the N80 relief road Mountmellick, County Laois. [25663/20]

View answer

15. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport if funding for the inner relief road Mountmellick, County Laois is provided for in the stimulus package or in capital investment plans. [25664/20]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 15 together.

As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Act 1993-2015, and in accordance with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, development and construction of individual national road projects is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

Overall, TII is responsible for the delivery of the National Roads Programme in accordance with Project Ireland 2040 and the National Development Plan (NDP).

Within the overall context of Project Ireland 2040, the NDP was developed to underpin the successful implementation of the National Planning Framework (NPF). This provides the strategic and financial framework for the National Roads Programme for the period 2018 - 2027. The focus of TII's activities over the coming years is, accordingly, being directed towards the development of the major national road improvement schemes that are included in the NDP, along with the maintenance of the existing national road network.

The proposed N80 Mountmellick Bypass is not included amongst those projects which have been identified for development during the period of the NDP.

However, it should be noted that the Programme for Government commits to bringing forward the planned review of the NDP and to use the review to set out an updated NDP for the period out to 2031. The review of the NDP will be aligned with the National Planning Framework (NPF) and Project Ireland 2040. Work is underway within my Department to contribute to this planned review.

Current Status of the scheme

Following consultation with TII, I can advise the Deputy that the proposed N80 Mountmellick Relief Road is intended to be approx. 2.3km in length. The preliminary Project Appraisal Plan was approved by my Department in March 2019. Laois County Council has requested approval to appoint consultants for preliminary appraisal of options for a bypass of Mountmellick.

I understand that an allocation of €100,000 has been provided by TII to Laois County Council to assist with this appointment and progress a Feasibility Report.