Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 December 2016
62. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding road projects in the greater Naas area in County Kildare, that is the widening of the M7 to three lanes and the new motorway interchange at Osberstown and the Sallins bypass; the status and timeline for these projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38836/16]
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 national road projects is a matter for the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (formerly known as the NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with local authorities. 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 view of the lead role of TII, in conjunction with Kildare County Council, in relation to these projects I have referred the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply. If a reply is not received within 10 working days please contact my office.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
