Mr. Michael Nolan:

Deputy Healy-Rae asked about the motor services areas at Ashford and Ennis. I completely reject the allegation made by the Deputy and will give the background to it. The offline service area facilities brought forward by private sector developers are subject to the normal planning requirements and procedures. The TII examined the service area proposals notified by planning authorities in our role as statutory consultee under planning legislation, in which we are confined to considering potential implications for the operation, capacity or safety of the national road concerned. We did not lobby against either of the offline service area proposals in submissions made to the planning authorities concerned. Our submissions clearly outline that the TII neither endorsed nor proposed the provision of such facilities at the application sites. The TII service area proposals are always advised to applicants to ensure all parties are aware of the TII's stated intention, as outlined in our service area policy 2014. We did not appeal any decision to grant planning permission at either site.