Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 263: To ask the Minister for Transport the roads projects that are subject to Department of Finance approval before the National Roads Authority can proceed with the projects; the expected delay in each case that will arise from this new procedure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13421/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The total capital allocation to the National Roads Authority (NRA) for its national roads investment programme for 2009 is €1.44 billion. All but approximately €50m of this year's allocation on national roads is already contractually committed and does not require prior Department of Finance approval. This contractually committed expenditure will see us move into the final construction phase on the interurban motorway and dual carriageway network and the completion of the M50 upgrade by end 2010. It will also finance a range of other projects around the country.

My Department has written to the Department of Finance seeking approval to proceed with the letting of contracts in respect of the remaining €50 million of the NRA's capital allocation. This includes the NRA's proposed programme of minor roadworks on both national primary and national secondary roads, as well as planning and preparatory works on a range of other projects. I expect that the Department of Finance will respond to my Department following the Supplementary Budget on 7th April next.