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Road Projects

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 April 2021

Wednesday, 28 April 2021

Questions (249)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

249. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he is satisfied that the options appraisal tools for new roads projects are sufficiently aligned with climate obligations; the method employed by Transport Infrastructure Ireland and its consultants to assess lower cost, less carbon intensive alternatives involving, for example, modal shift, increased public transport and remote working; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22070/21]

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Written answers

As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme.

The Department of Transport provides guidelines for the appraisal of transport projects and programmes through the Common Appraisal Framework (CAF). The current appraisal guidance was published by the Department in March 2016. Minor updates to the CAF were made in August 2019 following the publication of new central appraisal parameters by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The appraisal process for transport projects is required to follow the guidance and parameters outlined in the CAF.

The CAF provides guidance on the optioneering process that should be conducted  so as to select the intervention that best aligns with the project’s  objectives. The optioneering process is required to robustly consider all feasible options that will meet the project’s objectives. In the transport sector, this includes different modes and different ways of delivering the same mode.

There is an ongoing programme of work to review and update the CAF to reflect updates to the      Public Spending Code and best practice in transport appraisal around issues such as active travel. This update is being progressed in parallel to the work on the draft National Investment Framework for Transport in Ireland (NIFTI) and will translate strategic principles from NIFTI, including Decarbonisation, to the level of individual project appraisal. It is expected that the newly updated guidance will be published in Q3 2021.

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.  This is also subject to the Public Spending Code Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals.

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
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