Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 December 2015
179. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which the proposals as set out in the capital programme, with reference to the M7 and M9 Naas and Newbridge bypass, Sallins bypass, Osberstown interchange, Monread Road roundabout, are prioritised; the anticipated schedule for these works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45630/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I outlined to the Deputy in my reply to Question No. 177, reference 39738/15, of 11 November 2015, as 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 (including the N7) is a matter for the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (formerly known as the NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with Kildare County Council. Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for TII in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act. As regards regional and local roads, responsibility for implementation of improvement projects rests with the relevant local authority which is Kildare County Council in this instance.
As you are aware the transport element of the Capital Plan provides that work will commence on several roads projects which are targeted at removing critical bottlenecks or upgrading inadequate sections of road, including the M7 widening and the Sallins Bypass. Kildare County Council is responsible for the construction of the Osberstown Interchange.
In this context, TII is assessing how best to progress national projects included in the 7 year transport element of the Capital Plan taking into account annual budget allocations. The timeframe for progressing individual projects will be decided once that process is completed.
