I propose to take Questions Nos. 265 and 266 together.
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 national road schemes are matters for the National Roads Authority (NRA) in conjunction with the road authorities concerned.
With regard to the N7 Newlands Cross Upgrade scheme, I understand that an application for approval of the proposed road development, pursuant to section 51 of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended), was made to An Bord Pleanála by Kildare County Council.
Kildare County Council has stated that as it is the authority that obtained the approval for An Bord Pleanála, it is responsible for ensuring that works on the scheme are carried out in accordance with the scheme as approved by the Board.
Accordingly, any third party should bring any concerns and observations they may have with regard to works on the Newlands Cross Upgrade scheme to the attention of Kildare County Council in the first instance.
Generally speaking, third parties who wish to make a complaint in relation to road works may bring their concerns to the attention of the relevant road authority or the NRA as the case may be.
