Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 184: To ask the Minister for Transport his views on the recent calls by the National Roads Authority for additional funding to complete its road building programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27006/04]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The National Roads Authority is currently undertaking the largest road building programme in the history of the State, made possible by record levels of Exchequer funding supplemented by private investment in respect of public private partnership schemes. Good progress is being made in the implementation of the programme. Over the period since 2000, 45 projects — 310 km. — have been completed, 21 projects — 213 km. — are in construction and nine projects — 147 km. — are at tender stage.

During 2003, my Department requested the NRA to investigate the scope to increase the overall level of funding available for improvements on the national roads network. Possibilities in this regard were subsequently identified by the NRA and are currently under consideration in my Department.