Vol. 540 No. 1
325 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he is satisfied with the consultation time used by the National Roads Authority in relation to the construction of dual carriageways or motorways; if this period is legislated for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19872/01]
As part of major road project planning, local authorities initiate, at an early stage, a process of public consultation in connection with route selection. Typically the initial public consultation takes the form of an information brochure or similar material addressed to local communities and business interests outlining the need for the project, a general description of broad-band corridor route options and a questionnaire seeking the views and concerns of the public. In addition, public presentations are arranged by the local authority at a number of venues in the area concerned to outline the proposal and address requests for information or clarification.
Following a review of the public response, together with the findings of studies conducted to identify route constraints, the local authority identifies a preferred route, which is also the subject of public consultation. The primary purpose of the consultation exercise is to bring the public up-to-date on developments in the planning of the project taking account of public feedback and the findings of constraint studies and, in particular, to outline information on the preferred route option.
The above consultations are pre-statutory and it is not considered appropriate for them to be subjected to detailed regulation. The statutory procedures for taking forward major road projects which involve environmental impact assessment and motorway scheme or compulsory purchase order, are set out in Part IV of the Roads Act, 1993, as amended by the Planning and Development Act, 2000.
