Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 March 2021
104. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Transport the details of giving priority status to Tipperary town in respect of traffic alleviation on the N24; the details of his comments on addressing shorter sections of 6 km, 7 km or 8 km of the routes, including a bypass of Tipperary town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15470/21]
View answerAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. TII ultimately delivers the National Roads Programme in line with Project Ireland 2040, the National Planning Framework and the NDP. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to bring forward the review of the NDP and to use the review to set out an updated NDP for the period to 2030.
The strategic transport issues for the region, including for national roads, are being considered in the context of the ongoing review of the NDP. As part of this review for national roads, I am focused on how to help achieve compact growth, removal of congestion within our towns, and decarbonisation, among other objectives. Towns such as Tipperary town will be considered in this light. The review of the NDP will be aligned with the National Planning Framework and Project Ireland 2040.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply regarding the status of the N24 project. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
