Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is all national. I have noticed when travelling on the highway between Limerick or Cork and Dublin that an unusually high quantity of water remains on the road surface after rainfalls. Is the drainage standard of the road sufficient to cope with the abnormally heavy rainfalls of the past few years? Larger vehicles produce a significant amount of spray, thereby creating a safety hazard when overtaking in wet conditions.

What is the NRA's policy on investigations by the Road Safety Authority in the event of fatal accidents while construction is being carried out along national roads? Is it appropriate that an investigation is carried out while the construction is ongoing? What are the guidelines for signage and night time lighting during construction?

I thank the Chair for reminding me of certain matters pertaining to County Kerry. There are two gateway routes to the county from the direction of Cork, one of which is the N72 from Rathmore on the border of Cork and Kerry. There are blackspots on minor bridges between Rathmore and Killarney but otherwise I commend the NRA on the excellent work that has been done on the road. The Listowel bypass is on the road building programme. I am aware that the route has been planned but has the project been costed and what is the timeframe for it? I understand there is a delay in the Tralee-Dingle part of the route.