Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 July 2014
600. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the motorway services plan that was included in the original M9 motorway scheme; if these services were intended to be online or offline; if they were operated privately or by the National Roads Authority; and the criteria that was used to make such decisions. [27851/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra601. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of motorway service stations that will be built nationwide over the next five years; if they will be operated privately or by the National Roads Authority; and of those to be built by the NRA, the amount of money that will be spent on the construction and operation of these facilities; and if he considers this good use of public finances. [27852/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 600 and 601 together.
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The construction, improvement and maintenance of individual national roads, including service areas, is a matter for the National Roads Authority under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. In particular, Section 54 of the Roads Act 1993 specifically provides for the National Roads Authority or a local authority to provide and/or operate service areas.
Within its 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 questions to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don’t receive a reply within 10 working days.
I hope potential private sector operators and developers take the opportunity presented by the public consultation process to indicate very clearly what they could offer, whether online or offline services. On the M9, Dublin-Waterford, we all agree that an additional service area is needed.
