Jonathan O'Brien
Ceist:654. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address matters (details supplied) regarding the construction of roads. [37236/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 18 September 2018
Ceisteanna (654)
Freagraí scríofa
I have no function in respect of the restoration of the Ulster Canal.
Also the planning and implementation of the A5 upgrade project is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland authorities.
The current funding arrangements in relation to the A5 are governed by the Stormont House Agreement and Implementation Plan - A Fresh Start. This Agreement reaffirmed the Government's commitment to provide funding of £50 million for the A5 project and committed an additional £25 million towards the cost of Phase 1 of the project (Newbuildings to north of Strabane).
The funding allocated to my Department as part of the 2017 Capital Plan Review includes financial provision for meeting the Government's commitment regarding the A5 in three £25 million (sterling) tranches over the period 2019 to 2021. The project is the subject of legal proceedings at present.
The Fresh Start Agreement also includes a commitment to undertake a review of the proposed Narrow Water Bridge project with a view to identifying options for its future development, for consideration by the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) when reconvened. Pending future decisions on the project, there is no specific allocation of funding for a Narrow Water Bridge scheme.
The main design and construction elements of the Naas Bypass Widening Scheme, Osberstown Interchange and Sallins Bypass Schemes are being progressed under one construction contract. The drawdown of funding is subject to achievement of project milestones. Kildare County Council as the contracting authority for the three projects is responsible for the management of the project budgets subject to oversight, on an ongoing basis, by a project board which includes representatives of my Department, TII and the Council. Information on project cost and status is available on the Capital Tracker on the DPER website.
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 operation of individual roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A