Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 231: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if projects advertised by the National Roads Authority as Public Procurement Partnerships are always on a 50:50 cost basis; if a cost analysis of the project has to be completed before Exchequer funding is allocated for the commencement of the project; if ministerial permission is necessary prior to any contracts being signed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11898/11]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual national roads are matters for the National Roads Authority under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects, including PPP projects, is a matter in the first instance for the NRA in accordance with section 19 of the Roads Act. Noting that, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if there is no reply within ten working days.

As regards Ministerial approval, the sanction of the Minister for with responsibility for public expenditure and reform is required for PPP contracts.

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 232: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views regarding a submission (details supplied); if due regard is given to the overall cost of such a project in the present economic circumstances; if he has determined or has information being made available to him regarding the number of outlets within a 20 kilometre radius of the proposal that operate similar such facilities, thus ensuring the safety of drivers and if due consideration has been given to the loss of employment factor in relation to such facilities if the proposal is agreed to; if the viability of such projects on other motorways has been determined; if the cost through the involvement of the National Roads Authority to the Exchequer of the proposal has been determined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11949/11]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme . The construction, improvement and maintenance of individual national roads, including the provision of servic areas, is a matter for the National Roads Authority under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 .

Within its capital budget, it is a matter for the NRA to assess and prioritise individual projects. As regards service areas, I am aware that the NRA has recently sought expressions of interest from interested parties in relation to the provision, on a commercial basis, of service areas at two locations, including Kilcullen.

Noting the Deputy's interest in the matter I have referred his question to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if there is no reply within ten working days.