Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter and for his kind comments on my appointment. I am aware that he has been working on and raising this issue for a very long period of time. I understand completely the importance that attaches to the improvement of this route, not only for safety reasons but also because it plays an important role for the Deputy's constituency and the broader country. In light of his involvement in local government and his membership of this House, the Deputy will be aware that the various figures involved in this area have different levels of responsibility. As Minister, I have responsibility for road network funding and policy. The National Roads Authority is responsible for the planning, design and implementation of individual projects. The local authorities deal with all matters relating to traffic management.

I am aware that tragedies, losses of life and injuries have occurred on or near the location to which the Deputy is referring.

As I am sure the Deputy is aware, the National Roads Authority undertakes the ranking of our roads on a periodic basis with regard to safety concerns and examines collision data to assess the safety of the area and the road. I understand work on this road was undertaken last year at Bohonagh, which is east of the section of road to which the Deputy refers.

The Deputy began and ended his contribution by asking whether I would make contact with the National Roads Authority to ask for a further update on this matter and to determine whether further remedial and safety work should be prioritised for this section of the road. I confirm that I will do that. I appreciate why this is a concern for him, his constituents and the communities who use the road. I will contact the National Roads Authority and ensure that a report and an update is furnished to the Deputy about a matter he has been campaigning on and raising for some time.

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