Road Network

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 April 2012

Tuesday, 24 April 2012

Ceisteanna (703)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

796 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount that has been spent by the State to date in acquiring land, rights to land and purchase options for land, in respect of road projects which are not scheduled to commence construction before 2014; if he will itemise this expenditure project by project, stating the proposed length of road involved in each case and its specification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20586/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar)

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

Within is capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for the NRA in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.

Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.