Transport Infrastructure Ireland

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 April 2021

Wednesday, 21 April 2021

Questions (353, 354)

Michael Creed

Question:

353. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Transport the amount paid in legal fees to the legal representations of Transport Infrastructure Ireland in respect of a project (details supplied) in each of the past five years by the legal firms involved; if he is satisfied that every effort is being made to protect the public purse in respect of such legal fees; if every effort is made to avoid protracted legal disputes between the land and property owners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19205/21]

Michael Creed

Question:

354. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Transport the amount paid in legal fees in each of the past five years in respect of a project (details supplied) to the legal representatives of property and landowners affected by this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19206/21]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 353 and 354 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 Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction, including the procurement of land and property and associated costs, of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on all aspects of the N22 Ballyvourney to Macroom project.

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.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51