David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 357: To ask the Minister for Transport his role in providing funding and permission for the National Roads Authority to proceed with major infrastructural projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9537/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Under section 17 of the Roads Act 1993, the National Roads Authority has overall responsibility for the planning and supervision of works for the construction and maintenance of national roads. The Minister for Transport appoints the members of the authority and is responsible for the payment of block grants to the authority, broad policy matters and legislation relating to national roads.

The policy framework for the improvement of national roads is set out in the National Development Plan 2000-2006, together with the Community Support Framework and the Economic and Social Infrastructure Operational Programme. Within this framework, it is a matter for the NRA to prioritise and schedule individual road improvement projects and to progress them in co-operation with local authorities. I have no function in relation to the day to day administration and management of the work programme on national roads or in relation to the allocation of funds for individual projects.