Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 1065: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of all projects on national secondary roads, either in construction or in planning, funded under Transport 21 in 2011; the details of the expenditure this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23495/11]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The 2011 National Road Grant allocations were announced in January this year. Details of all projects allocated funding can be found in the 2011 National Road Grant Allocations booklet, a copy of which can be obtained from the Dáil Library.

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 1066: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the national secondary road projects that will be commencing construction next year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23496/11]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) 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 is a matter in the first instance for the NRA in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.

As the Deputy is aware, a comprehensive review of capital spending is now underway, the results of which will form the basis of a new National Development Plan. The review will also take account of new funding realities. A major priority will be to ensure funding to protect and maintain investment made to date and to maintain safety standards. No decision will be made on funding projects over the next year until the capital review is complete and my Department's budget is known.

However, the Deputy will be aware that under the 4-Year National Recovery Plan approved by the previous Fianna Fáil Government, there is no provision for the construction of any new national secondary roads projects in 2012, 2013 and 2014.