Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 November 2012
270. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding is still available for the new M17/M18 motorway; the date on which contracts will be signed for this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53402/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism & 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 Act 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
The Gort-Tuam PPP project is one of a number of road projects identified in the Government's Financial Stimulus Package. As the investment and Capital Expenditure Framework 2012 - 2016 did not include a financial provision for this project, an additional multi-annual allocation is required to cover the Exchequer element of the project costs. As the allocation of such funds is related to the planned sale of State assets, clarification has been sought from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on the timelines involved. Once appropriate funding arrangements are put in place, the NRA will be in a position to prepare the project implementation schedule.
