Vol. 541 No. 2
694 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the dissatisfaction with the consultation process provided by the National Roads Authority at local level throughout the country; if he plans to change the structure of the consultation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21467/01]
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.
It is a matter for the NRA-local authorities to comply with statutory procedures in relation to public notice and the provision of access to environmental impact statements, motorway schemes and CPOs.
There are no plans to change the structure of the consultation process at this time.
