John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 204: To ask the Minister for Transport his plans to deal with traffic congestion on the M50 during the M50 upgrade project; if he will have a toll free access on the West link bridge during these upgrade works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30787/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The planning, design and implementation of national road improvement projects, including related traffic management arrangements as part of these projects, are a matter for the National Roads Authority, NRA, the local authorities concerned and the relevant contractors.

I understand from the NRA that the maintenance of traffic flow will be a key requirement of the contracts for the upgrade of the M50 and that the contract documents will include detailed provisions in relation to traffic safety and management during the construction phase. Furthermore, an M50 upgrade traffic group to oversee traffic management arrangements will shortly be established by the NRA comprising representatives of the local authorities and the Garda. Traffic management proposals will be submitted to this group for their review. My Department will continue to liaise with the NRA in regard to the proposed traffic management measures during the M50 upgrade.

The statutory power to levy tolls on national roads, to make toll by-laws, and to enter into toll agreements with private investors in respect of national roads, is vested in the National Roads Authority under Part V of the Roads Act 1993, as amended by the Planning and Development Act 2000. I am aware that, in the context of the upgrade of the M50 and my policy objective to move to open road tolling, the NRA is in negotiation with NTR on a range of issues affecting the West Link toll agreement. The NRA will report to me on the outcome of its engagement with NTR including any implications for the current agreement.