Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 October 2010
131 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Transport his views on the future work of the National Roads Authority in view of the fact that the national roads programme is largely completed; the road projects he plans over the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35056/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder section 17 of the Roads Act 1993 as amended, it is the general duty of the National Roads Authority to secure the provision of a safe and efficient network of national roads and for that purpose it has overall responsibility for the planning and supervision of works for the construction and maintenance of national roads. Under the same Act the NRA has an ongoing responsibility to manage and protect the infrastructure that has already been developed.
The "Infrastructure Investment Priorities 2010-2016" document which was issued in July 2010 indicates that the focus of road investment over the period to 2016 will be on a targeted number of projects of significant economic benefit, including progression of the Atlantic Corridor as well as maintenance of the existing road network to a sufficient standard to ensure that the original capital investment does not depreciate prematurely over the coming years. As provided for under the Renewed Programme for Government and as part of the process of planning the NRA's future work programme, the Authority is undertaking a strategic review of national roads for the period 2010 to 2025.
