David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 82: To ask the Minister for Transport the meetings or contact he has had with the National Roads Authority since the start of 2008; the matters discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23435/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding issues in relation to the national roads element of Transport 21.

Under section 17 and 19 of the Roads Act 1993, the detailed planning, design and implementation of individual national road improvement projects are a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) and the relevant local authority concerned.

I met with representatives of all the relevant agencies, including the National Roads Authority (NRA), on 13 February 2008 to discuss Transport 21 issues.

On 2 April 2008, I met with the Chief Executive of the National Roads Authority (NRA) to discuss a number of policy issues ranging from the Dublin Port Tunnel to the NRA's national roads programme.

On 15 May, I met with the NRA Chief Executive along with my colleague, Mr. Eamon Ryan, T.D., Minister for Communications, and others to discuss matters relating to ducting for broadband. I also met senior officials and Board members of the NRA at the recent opening of the Carlow Bypass on 29 May 2008.

More generally, my Department maintains regular contact with the NRA in relation to policy and funding issues in respect of the national roads programme element of Transport 21.