Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 February 2024
175. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport following his recent meeting with members of Donegal County Council, if he will make changes to the national policy that denies planning permission to applicants in Donegal who would have to access on to the N56. [7333/24]
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.
The relevant planning guidelines are included in the Spatial Planning and National Road Guidelines which were published by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. As such, any changes to these guidelines would be a matter for that Department. TII implements these Guidelines in relation to national roads. Local authorities also consider these when drafting County Development Plans.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply updating you as to the application of these guidelines on national roads. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
