Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 55 and 117 together.

As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and funding for the national roads programme element of Transport 21. The implementation of individual national road projects, such as the proposed eastern bypass route and the Dublin outer orbital route, would be a matter for the National Roads Authority and the local authorities concerned, under the relevant sections of the Roads Act 1993. At the launch of Transport 21, I indicated that a feasibility study would be undertaken on both of these routes. Neither project is included in the Transport 21 financial envelope. The NRA is currently pursuing this work. I expect to have the study on the Dublin outer orbital shortly and I intend to advise my Cabinet colleagues on its outcome.

The NRA has engaged consulting engineers to undertake an engineering and feasibility study into the eastern bypass. This study will examine possible route options, prepare forecasts of traffic demand and report on scheme costs for the various options examined. The study is expected to be completed later this year.

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