Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 28 Feb 1990

Vol. 396 No. 4

Written Answers. - National Roads Programme.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

42 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment if, having regard to the clear administrative and managerial problems which exist within his Department in terms of the development of a coherent national roads programme, he will establish a public programme for the National Roads Authority with clearly assigned responsibilities away from the existing officials and sections of his Department who have been unable to implement the existing programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Flynn)

A coherent national roads programme has been developed and is being efficiently and effectively implemented and I do not accept that there are administrative or managerial problems within my Department in this regard. All State grants provided for national roads during each year of my term of office have been fully and effectively spent.

With the restoration of order in the public finances it is now possible to plan ahead with reasonable assurance that Exchequer funds committed to projects will be available as planned.

I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 11 of 14 December, 1989 regarding the role of the National Roads Authority. The general scheme of a comprehensive roads Bill, which includes provision for setting up the Authority on a statutory basis, has been approved by the Government. The Bill is being drafted at present and it will be introduced as soon as possible.