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Road Network.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 July 2004

Wednesday, 7 July 2004

Ceisteanna (270, 271, 272)

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

275 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the degree to which the road development programme outlined in the national development plan is to date in line with time and cost projections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20842/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The planning, design and implementation of national road improvement projects, including the outturn costs of individual road projects, is a matter for the National Roads Authority and the local authorities concerned. The NDP mid-term target of 30% completion of the major inter-urban routes by the end of 2003 was largely met with 29% of the programme completed on schedule. In relation to the national roads programme overall, it should be noted that since 2000 a total of 41 projects, over 277 kms, have been completed. Work is in progress on 18 projects, 199 kms, and another 12 projects, 88 kms, are at tender stage. The estimated cost of delivering the programme was €16.4 million at end 2003 prices.

I understand from the NRA that the current position in relation to the upgrading of the five major inter-urban routes to motorway-high quality dual carriageway standard is that the M1 is expected to be fully complete by end 2006. Work is underway on major projects on the N7 — Monasterevin by-pass, which is expected to be opened later this year, on the N8 — Cashel by-pass and the Fermoy by-pass on the N4-N6 — Kilcock-Kinnegad, and the N1 Dundalk Western by-pass. Work is expected to start this year on Dundalk to Newry on the M1, the Waterford city by-pass and the Naas Road widening. Completion of these projects will eliminate many of the major bottlenecks on these routes.

In addition, it is expected that compulsory purchase orders and environmental impact statements for the remaining projects in planning on these routes will either be approved by, or be before, An Bord Pleanála by end 2004.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

276 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the steps he proposes to take to prevent a recurrence of the Carrickmines issue whereby road works or other developments are routed in the vicinity of or through national monuments with resultant environmental damage and cost implications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20843/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

As part of the planning and design of individual national road improvement projects the National Roads Authority and local authorities seek, in accordance with NRA project management guidelines, to identify from the earliest stages of project planning all potential environmental impacts including impacts on heritage sites or buildings. As part of this process there is extensive consultation with environmental and heritage authorities and interests in order to avoid or reduce negative impacts. Major projects are also subject to comprehensive environmental impact assessment in accordance with the Roads Act 1993, which requires environmental impact statements on major road projects to be submitted to An Bord Pleanála for approval.

The National Monuments (Amendment) Act 2004, prepared by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, currently on Committee Stage in the Seanad, seeks to update the legislation on our national heritage and provide more streamlined procedures for resolving archaeological issues arising in the case of major infrastructure projects, including national road improvement projects.

I understand from the NRA that a total of 13 project archaeologists and five assistant archaeologists are on contract, overseen by an archaeologist and assistant archaeologist on its headquarters staff, who manage the archaeological aspects of road scheme, planning and construction. This expertise and the expenditure of significant resources from the national roads grant allocation seek to minimise direct impacts on archaeology to the extent feasible, and, where impacts are unavoidable, to resolve archaeological sites and features in accordance with best practice.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

277 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if the NRA or other authorities will use state-of-the-art technology in order to determine the precise location of historic monuments, earthworks or settlements with a view to ensuring the elimination of costly delays and the protection of the environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20844/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

The planning, design and implementation of national road improvement projects, including investigation of identified archaeological sites discovered during the projects, is a matter for the National Roads Authority, NRA, and the local authority concerned.

I understand from the NRA that its work in this area is managed to the highest recognised standards and that, where appropriate, the use of state-of-the-art technology, including both geophysical studies and aerial studies, are carried out on projects across the network as part of the planning programme.

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