I propose to take Questions Nos. 288 and 289 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 road projects is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (formerly known as the NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the relevant local authority.
More specifically, the statutory power to levy tolls on national roads, to make toll bye-laws, to enter into toll agreements, and for the operation of concessions with private investors in respect of national roads is vested in TII under the Roads Act 1993, as amended.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's Questions to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.