Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on progress regarding the development of the N17 - N18 Gort to Tuam motorway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8451/13]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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As Minister for Transport, Tourism & 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.

The N17/18 Gort-Tuam project was identified in the Government's Financial Stimulus Package announced in July 2012. As the Investment and Capital Expenditure Framework 2012-2016 did not include a financial provision for this project, an additional multi-annual allocation is required to cover the Exchequer element of the project costs.  As the allocation of such funds is related to the planned sale of State assets, clarification has been sought from the Department of Public Expenditure on the timelines involved. Once appropriate funding arrangements are put in place, the NRA will be in a position to prepare the project implementation schedule.

Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy’s question to the NRA for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you don’t receive a reply within 10 working days.