Road Projects

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 February 2023

Thursday, 2 February 2023

Ceisteanna (245)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

245. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when a response will issue to proposed amendments that were submitted by Galway County Council to the heritage section of the National Parks and Wildlife Service in September 2022 for approval in relation to the method statements for the upgrade of the road from Bunakill to Claremont on the N59 in accordance with the planning permission for this project; the reason for the delay in reverting to the County Council on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5447/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Staff of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department have been working with Galway County Council in relation to this project. A method statement prepared by Galway County Council, which outlined the methodology for the topographical survey along the N59 (Bunnakill to Oughterard) as part of the overall N59 Maam Cross-Oughterard Project, was approved in July 2022.  

Two further method statements relating to ground investigation and archaeological investigations were submitted in September 2022 and are being considered by the NPWS. This is a complex case in a designated area and great care is being exercised in giving the matter full and due consideration. The NPWS will revert to Galway County Council as soon as possible.