Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 127: To ask the Minister for Transport if he has received a feasibility study from the National Roads Authority on the proposed construction of the eastern bypass to complete the M50/Port Tunnel; his views on the viability of the proposed construction of the eastern bypass; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23284/08]

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

The implementation of individual national road projects, such as the proposed Dublin Eastern Bypass, is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Act, 1993 in conjunction with the relevant local authorities concerned.

Two reports were commissioned by the NRA in 2000 and 2002 on the feasibility of constructing the Eastern Bypass. Copies of both reports were forwarded to my Department at the time. The output of these reports consisted of a constraints study and preliminary cost and traffic reports.

It was indicated at the launch of Transport 21 that feasibility study work would be undertaken on this route. However, implementation of the project is not included in the Transport 21 financial envelope. The Minister for Finance has indicated his determination to seek to avoid any diminution in the capital provision already made for the period to 2015, notwithstanding the current economic difficulties.

The NRA subsequently engaged consulting engineers to update these two studies by undertaking a further engineering and feasibility study of the Bypass. This study examines possible route options, forecasts traffic demand and reports on scheme costs for the various options examined. The Department was given a copy of this report by the NRA late last year and is considering it.

The Eastern Bypass proposal remains an important element of our longer term infrastructure development. My Department will continue to liaise with the roads and planning authorities concerned to ensure that route options are preserved free of impediment for this potential project.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 128: To ask the Minister for Transport the plans he has to review the National Development Plan in the context of the development of the road network between gateways and hubs other than those provided by the major interurban routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19798/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme element of Transport 21. The implementation of individual national road projects, including the development of the road network between gateways and hubs other than those provided by the Major Interurban routes, is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Act, 1993 in line with the National Spatial Strategy and in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

The monitoring, management and implementation arrangements (including review) for the National Development Plan are as set out in Chapter 13 of the published document.