Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I would like to clarify that the planning and execution of construction works on the N52 and any other national route are operational matters in which I have no function. As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding of the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of construction works on individual national roads are the responsibility of Transport lnfrastructure Ireland, TII, under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned, in this case, Westmeath County Council. Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects are also matters for TII in accordance with section 19 of the Roads Act. I understand the road scheme in question is the N52 - Cloghan to Billistown, phase 1, which is under construction. The work area for the project which is located approximately 5 km north east of Mullingar between Cloghan and Turin is located largely on-line along the existing N52. TII has advised that the contract was signed in August 2016 and that the construction works commenced that month. It anticipates that the works will be completed on programme in August this year.

TII has allocated €8.3 million this year to Westmeath County Council for land acquisition and construction works. Given the many competing demands for funding, this is a significant financial commitment to the upgrade of this section of the N52 and many local authorities would be envious of such an allocation.

On the road closure, I understand from TII that the original intention was that the road closure would have occurred from September to November 2016. However, the construction contractor and Westmeath County Council reviewed concerns about the shorter working days and the likely weather conditions during that period and it was agreed that the planned three-month road closure would be rescheduled to commence in March 2017. TII advises that the contract has not been delayed as a result of this change. The works remain on programme, to be completed in August this year. The necessary statutory road closure notice has been published for the amended closure period and a map indicating the location of the road closure and the diversions to be put in place is available on the council's website. I also understand that, as part of this process, the council provided an opportunity for anyone who wished to object to the closure of the road to lodge a submission to the transportation section, Aras an Chontae, Mullingar, not later than Tuesday, 21 February 2017. TII advises that the main driver of the three-month closure period is the need to address health and safety concerns. Sufficient time must be allowed for the safe construction of this on-line section of the road improvement, having regard to the extent and nature of the construction work and the relocation of utilities.In these circumstances, it is considered that a three-month road closure is prudent.

Consideration was given to accelerating the works with a view to completion within a shorter timeframe but in light of the assessment of health and safety risks, including night time working risks and associated costs, it was not considered appropriate for this scale of project. In other words, costs and safety issues are the difficulty, which I am sure the Senator will appreciate. Diversion routes are published and notice of closure and traffic management arrangements, including Variable Message Signs, will be in place for the duration of the road closure.

I note the Senator's concerns and I will bring them to the attention of Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII. This is an operational matter for assessment and decision by TII and Westmeath County Council having considered the submissions received.