Michael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael)

I wish him the best of luck in his brief.

There is not a person in the country who would disagree with barrier-free tolling. The only criticism of it is that it did not happen many years ago, especially on the M50. The problem experienced on the M50 will be mirrored throughout the country because of the increasing number of cars being purchased. Every household used to have one car and now households have multiple cars. Barrier-free tolling throughout the length and breadth of Ireland would be beneficial.

However, one criticism I have of it is that the NRA will determine the default toll. I question the reason we continually devolve the authority of Departments to other agencies. We have seen this practice perhaps at its worst with the HSE and the Department of Health and Children. An earlier speaker asked why should we have a Department when it gives its authority to other agencies. I draw a comparison between that and the Government last year effectively regularising parking fines throughout the country by bringing the fine up to €40 throughout the State. The NRA will determine the default toll, but why is this House, which is the correct forum to make these decisions, devolving such authorities to other agencies?

In regard to motorway designations, this Bill will effectively reduce, if not negate, the difference between a motorway and a dual carriage. That has implications because of the planning process for motorways and dual carriageways. Everybody would welcome the speeding up of the planning process for these major arterial routes, which are the lifeblood of the country. However, the NRA has spent a great deal of time on route selections and route designs. Then the contracts are awarded and the tender is awarded to the successful individual who in turn designs and builds the same route that the NRA has spent time planning. This appears to be a silly duplication of resources. Nevertheless, anything that will speed up the building of motorways must be welcomed.

The section of the N11 between Rathnew and Arklow is a single carriageway that is the most dangerous route in this State. People have been killed on it year in year out. Work on it should be given priority — I go so far as to say it should be given priority over projects on major inter-urban routes. Members might question the reason a Deputy from Wexford is championing a route in Wicklow. I am realistic enough to understand that it is unlikely that the Government will leave work on that section of the N11 prior to commencing projects in Wexford and proceeding with the Camolin, Ferns and Enniscorthy bypasses. Those areas of the county must be developed because without them trade, people's quality of life and many other areas suffer.

The provision of motorway service areas is absolutely essential. People have touched on this issue. I assume the NRA will undertake a part 8 planning process if it acquires land. As many Members from a local authority background will know, a part 8 planning process guarantees planning permission. People are not allowed to object to it and although they can make a submission it tends not to get much of a hearing.

A part 8 planning process will most likely cover the design and build of a project by the successful tenderer with whom the NRA has struck a deal or entered a contract. If the NRA plans to provide a motorway service area on a route, the people who have had their properties dissected by the provision of that route should be informed of the planned motorway service area. I am sure the Minister will state advertisements will be placed in the newspapers in this regard. However, these will not be sufficient. The NRA knows who owns land on either side of that which it has purchased and should send letters to the people concerned — in the context of openness and transparency — in order to ensure they will be in a position to express their interest in proposed projects and also to ensure their land will be taken into consideration. In effect, what will happen as a result of that to which I refer is that the designation of agricultural land will be changed to commercial land. That will be a major development. There has been a great deal of discussion regarding planning rezonings in urban areas. On foot of what I have outlined, agricultural land will effectively be rezoned as commercial land. The process must be open and transparent to those who wish to take advantage of the possibilities. It goes without saying a site must be deemed suitable before development proceeds.

I am disappointed that certain facets of the Bill do not take other matters into consideration. Local authorities are trying to fund new roads in urban areas from development levies. We need to consider putting in place a package that will give local authorities in major expanding towns the opportunity to proceed with the building of such roads.

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