Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 February 2024
189. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport to review correspondence (detail supplied) from Monaghan County Council ; if he will address the issues outlined in same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6044/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and 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. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of these projects.
I can confirm that €600,000 was allocated for the N2 Ardee to Castleblayney scheme in 2023 in order to meet project commitments. The N2 Clontibret to the Border scheme was selected to receive EU Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) funding, and matching funding of €2.5 million was allocated in 2023. The allocations for 2024 are expected to be announced in the near future.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply updating you as to the latest status of these projects. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
With regard to the North South Interconnnector, responsibility for the regulation of the electricity market is a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) which is an independent regulator, accountable to a committee of the Oireachtas.
