asked the Minister for the Environment, in respect of the National Roads Authority and the Government's capital expenditure programme on national primary roads for 1989, the sections of the national primary roads system and related transportation infrastructure which will be commenced in 1989; in respect of each project (a) the extent of the project (b) the capital cost (c) the duration of the construction period and (d) the number who will be employed directly and indirectly in the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - National Primary Roads.
197.
The allocation of road grants for 1989 will be finalised within two to three weeks.
198.
asked the Minister for the Environment if he will indicate the four separate components of the national primary road network and transportation infrastructure which have been identified by him as being suitable for private sector investment within the framework of private investment qualifying for EC Structural Funds; in respect of each possible project (a) the approximate cost (b) the duration of construction and (c) the amount of employment that such projects will generate; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Following are details in relation to the four projects which my Department consider to be potentially suitable for private investment involving tolls:
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
Project |
Estimated Cost (£m December 1988 Prices) |
Possible date for commencement of construction (assuming availability of private finance and subject to relevant statutory procedures) |
|
Dublin Ring Road |
||
|
— Northern Cross Route |
35 |
1990 |
|
— Southern Cross Route |
48 |
1990 |
|
Newbridge/Kilcullen |
Newbridge: July 1989 |
|
|
By-Passes (Co. Kildare) |
See (a) below |
Kilcullen: 1990 |
|
Lucan/Kilcock (Co. Kildare) |
See (a) below |
1990 |
|
Downstream Crossing of River Lee (Co. Cork) |
The cost will be dependent on the mode of crossing (i.e. tunnel or opening bridge). A decision on this matter will be made as soon as possible. |
1991-1992 |
(a) The cost estimates in column 2 are necessarily tentative at this stage pending completion of detailed planning, tender process etc.
(b) The commencement of construction and the duration of the construction period are dependent on the availability and timing of finance from the State, the private sector and the EC. These issues are being considered in the context of the preparation by my Department of an operational plan for national roads which will be submitted to the EC before the end of March, 1989.
(c) The estimated direct and indirect employment content of major road improvement works expressed in man-year jobs per £1 million expenditure is 23 and 13 respectively.