Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. O'Neill and Mr. Barry for their attendance. I have a question about the tolling and the survey undertaken by an independent group on the M50. Does the NRA agree with the results of the survey with regard to extra tolling points on the roads leading off the M50? Mr. Barry referred to public private partnerships and the Gort to Tuam road. Other bodies such as Irish Water are all interested in the reserve fund. I am not sure whether it will live up to expectations. I refer to the bridge at Narrow Water where there is an issue to do with a contractor which is causing a delay. The north-west area in general seems to lack a joined-up approach to its road network. Is pressure being put on the Minister to deal with other areas? The north-west area, including Donegal, is being ignored. What is the NRA policy for dealing with its counterpart in the North? Is the co-operation successful?

Funding was halved in the period 2012 to 2013. Mr. Barry said that the NRA is managing despite this decrease. I do not know how the NRA can keep things going with a halving of its funding. I understand that in 2014 the funding for the major regional and local roads will be discontinued in favour of a concentration on repairs and maintenance. How long will this situation last and what will be the implications?

I met with the north Meath group who are campaigning against potholes. That area has one of the worst problems in the country. I acknowledge the role of the local authority in this regard but has the NRA a role in addressing this problem? Has the extra funding of €50 million announced by the Minister addressed some of the issues with local authorities? I am unsure of the role of the NRA with regard to the acquisition of lands. I ask Mr. Barry to clarify whether the NRA deals with landowners and farmers on those routes.