Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 57: To ask the Minister for Transport the way he envisages the work programme and role of the National Roads Authority evolving or changing during 2009 and from 2010 to the end of Transport 21 in view of recent budgetary changes resulting from the financial crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13666/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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In line with Transport 21, the work programme for the National Roads Authority for the next two years remains focused on the completion of the inter-urban motorway and dual carriageway network and the completion of the M50 upgrade by 2010. Funding for these projects is already contractually committed and will ensure that the Government's objectives under T21 will be achieved.

Sanction has been sought from the Department of Finance to proceed with the letting of contracts in respect of some €50 million, all that remains of the NRA's capital allocation for 2009 which is uncommitted. This includes the NRA's proposed programme of minor roadworks on both national primary and national secondary roads, as well as planning and preparatory work on a range of other projects. I expect the Department of Finance will respond to my Department following the Supplementary Budget on 7 April next.

The priority for the roads investment programme after the completion of the major interurban network, will be the Atlantic Road Corridor as well as the improvement of other key national primary routes and the targeted improvement of certain national secondary routes. Decisions to proceed with projects will be taken from time to time in the light of the available public finance.

As regards the role of the NRA, its primary function under the Roads Act 1993, as amended, is to secure the provision of a safe and efficient network of national roads. There are no plans to change this function. However, as the major construction and improvement programme moves towards completion in future years, the Authority will be increasingly focused on the renewal, maintenance and management of the network. I will also work with the NRA to identify new ways in which its very substantial technical skills and construction programme management expertise can be put to use.