Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

Deputy Sargent knows that a few years ago the NRA totally changed the systems and structure it was operating for roads, designing them in a very loose way rather than producing detailed plans. Then, when high specifications were put in, costs were far higher. I explained that to the House several years ago based on what had been happening.

Since then, there has been far more accurate costing. The cost estimation control and procurement procedures in the NRA were changed and the designs have been far more accurate. It is now producing more detailed designs from an early stage, which is the right way to do it. It has made greater and more efficient use of the cost-effective "design and build" lump-sum, fixed-price contracts. That is why we have seen projects such as the Monasterevin bypass and now the Kinnegad road coming in under contract and on time. Those systems were not operated before. A specialist has also been appointed who reviews all the cost estimates. That was not the position previously. Tender and system outturn costs have been benchmarked. Design and construction standards have been established through publication of NRA specifications on road works. All those initiatives have been developed over the past few years.

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