Arthur Spring (Kerry North-West Limerick, Labour)

Question 564: To ask the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport when the bypass for Macroom, County Cork, will commence in view of the fact that the delay caused by having to travel through the centre of town is a serious deterrent for business having to transport goods between Cork and County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17549/11]

Leo Varadkar (Minister, Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport; Dublin West, Fine Gael)

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and  funding in relation to the national roads programme . The construction, improvement and maintenance of individual national roads, is a matter for the National Roads Authority under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Noting this, I have referred the Deputy’s question to the NRA for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you don’t receive a reply within 10 working days.