Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects including the N11-N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour scheme is a matter for the NRA in accordance with section 19 of the Roads Act.

In the overall context, the Deputy will be aware that a comprehensive review of capital spending is now underway, the results of which will form the basis for a new national development plan. The review will also take account of new funding realities. A major priority will be to ensure funding to protect and maintain the investment made to date and to maintain safety standards. It is clear there will be little scope to advance, in the short to medium term, many of the infrastructural projects currently in planning.

Given that the allocation of the funding referred to by the Deputy is statutorily a matter for the NRA, I will refer the Deputy's question to the NRA for direct reply. I ask him please to advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within ten working days.

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