Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 426: To ask the Minister for Transport the policy direction which has been given to the National Roads Authority to ensure connectivity between the gateway towns of Athlone, Mullingar and Tullamore; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30677/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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No policy direction under section 41 of the Roads Act 1993 has been given to the National Roads Authority, NRA, regarding this matter. The national spatial strategy, NSS, identifies Athlone, Mullingar and Tullamore as a linked gateway. The NRA has regard to the NSS in the implementation of the national roads programme.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 427: To ask the Minister for Transport his target date for the full implementation of open road tolling on the M50; if this will occur before the Dublin Port tunnel opens; the estimated cost to the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30770/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The planning, design and implementation of national road improvement projects, including the upgrade of the M50 and the move to barrier-free tolling at the West Link Bridge, are a matter in the first instance for the National Roads Authority, NRA. The timing and cost of the move to barrier-free tolling, which will not occur before the opening of the Dublin Port tunnel, will depend on the outcome of negotiations under way between the NRA and NTR.