Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 November 2017
93. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he will take to examine road connectivity between Rosslare Europort and the west of the country; his plans to link the M11, N24, M3, M4 and M7 in view of the importance of increasing direct accessibility between the west and continental Europe, avoiding likely UK customs delays post-Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49134/17]
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 road projects is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. 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.
My Department, in conjunction with the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO), is commencing a study into the use of the UK Land bridge by Irish importers and exporters. The purpose of this research is to establish the volume of traffic using the UK Land bridge at present, the likely consequences that Brexit will have on Land bridge usage and the various alternative options that may be viable. I expect this piece of research to be completed in Q1 of 2018.
My officials will continue to work with the maritime sector and with other stakeholders to identify and plan for the implications of Brexit.
