Mr. Fred Barry:

Our annual budgets vary. We were in receipt of approximately €2 billion per year under the various headings. Last year, the overall amount was in the region of €800 million. That money largely comes from the Exchequer. We obtain approximately €100 million gross through tolls and VAT, rates and so on have to be paid out of that. The net figure we receive from tolls is in the region of €60 million. Most of our funding comes from the Exchequer and it is out of this that we pay money to the PPP companies.

Standing water is probably more noticeable on the new motorways than it is on older roads. More than anything, the speed at which a vehicle is travelling is what gives rise to the level of spray. While there are speed restrictions in place on our better roads in respect of heavy goods vehicles, I am not sure that all such vehicles adhere to those limits. I am quite sure that if they did adhere to them, there would perhaps be significantly less spray. That is the main, but not the only, issue in respect of spray. I accept that there may also be other factors involved.

Traffic accidents must be investigated by the Garda. I would certainly not suggest that responsibility in this regard be moved to our or any other organisation. There are guidelines in respect of signage, lighting and preventative measures relating to road works. These are issued by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and we and local authorities had a big input into them. Essentially, they are the agreed standards that apply in respect of all of those areas.

On the N72 and the other roads to which the Senator referred, I reiterate the response I gave to Deputy Colreavy. We are doing work and we accept that there is more to be done. We will continue to do both the larger schemes and, where possible, the smaller ones. The Listowel bypass project is still working its way through the planning process and that will go on for the next year. I do not know what will be the cost of the project - that information will only emerge at the end - but it will probably be of the order of €40 million rather than €100 million or €200 million.

We are not allowed to consult An Bord Pleanála on national roads before we submit a planning application. Under the strategic infrastructure legislation, a particular arrangement was introduced in respect of other bodies but this does not apply to ourselves or local authorities in respect of national roads. Such consultation would be welcome and might have helped in the past in respect of the projects at Adare and Slane. It could also be of assistance with the current project in Kerry. On the roads in the Ring of Kerry and elsewhere, I note the comments that were made. We will do what we can in respect of these roads when possible.