Thomas Gould
Question:23. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost of delaying the M20 process and the timeline for delivery of the M20 project. [62340/21]
View answerThursday, 16 December 2021
Questions (23)
Written answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Taking account of available funds, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) plans and delivers the National Roads Programme with local authorities. The development of the National Roads Programme takes account of all relevant Government policies and programmes including the National Development Plan (NDP), the Climate Action Plan and the Programme for Government.
In the new NDP launched on 4th October, approximately €5.1 billion is earmarked for new national road projects to 2030. This funding will contribute to Enhanced Regional Accessibility across the country as well as Compact Growth which are national strategic outcomes in the National Planning Framework. The funding will provide for the development of a number of national road projects, including the completion of projects which are already at construction stage, as well as the development of a number of others.
The N/M20 project is included in the list of projects to be progressed in the NDP. This year TII allocated €5 million to Limerick City and County Council to progress the scheme.
The corridor options to augment and/or replace the existing N20 Cork-Limerick road are currently being progressed. These options include a new motorway, the M20, or the upgrading of various sections of the existing N20. These road options largely follow the existing route corridor. Two rail scenarios are also being considered as potential solutions in improving Cork-Limerick connectivity.
Following a recent public consultation on route options, the scheme is currently at Route Options Selection stage. All the options mentioned above are being considered, with the preferred transport corridor expected to be announced by TII in the first half of 2022.
Following this, work on design and environmental evaluation will be undertaken by the TII project team, and the Business Case for the scheme which is required under the Public Spending Code will be developed. The Business Case will include a cost-benefit analysis and is expected to be submitted to my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in 2023 for review prior to any Government decision. This process will include an independent review as part of the External Assurance Process for Major Public Investment Projects. Subject to Government approval, the submission of any necessary statutory documents for the project to An Bord Pleanála would follow. The timing for the following steps would depend on the outcome of the planning process.