Road Projects

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 July 2023

Tuesday, 4 July 2023

Questions (183, 184, 185, 187, 191)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

183. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will urgently engage with Louth County Council and Meath County Council to investigate whether any additional funds can be provided to fund a temporary dolly bridge at the site of the Obelisk Bridge in Drogheda, given the expected closure dates of this key transport link outline a ten-month closure timeline and its key position adjacent to one of the areas key tourism sites in Oldbridge House and Gardens; if any option could be considered that would allow the temporary cessation of toll charges for local residents on the M1 to alleviate what will be additional congestion pressures in an already over-congested town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32026/23]

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

184. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport to respond to concerns raised (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32044/23]

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

185. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport to respond to concerns raised with respect to the imminent closure of a transport link in Oldbridge, Drogheda, which is essential for bridge refurbishment works; if he will examine whether any supports can be put in place with regard to a dolly bridge or slip toll reductions for residents affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32050/23]

Gerald Nash

Question:

187. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware that works being carried out on the historic Obelisk Bridge at Oldbridge, County Meath will see the bridge close from 1 August 2023 for one year; if he is aware that the closure of this bridge/route from the north to the south of Drogheda will force motorists to use the toll bridge on Donore Road, Drogheda; if he will engage with CRG to lift the toll for the duration of the works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32111/23]

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

191. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport if he will put in place a free electronic toll pass for residents within a 10km radius of Obelisk Bridge in east Meath for the duration of the closure of the Obelisk Bridge which will seriously discommode those living in the area and trying to cross the river Boyne for school, work, shopping, church and social reasons. [32196/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 183, 184, 185, 187 and 191 together.

The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants.

The Department has provided funding to Louth County Council for essential rehabilitation works of the Obelisk Bridge in Drogheda. Implementation of the project and the associated traffic management measures are the responsibility of the Council.

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy in relation to national roads. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects on national roads are a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the relevant local authority. More specifically, the statutory powers to levy tolls, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into toll agreements with private investors are vested in TII under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended by the Planning and Development Act 2000 and the Roads Act 2007).

Question No. 184 answered with Question No. 183.

Question No. 185 answered with Question No. 183.