Noel Harrington (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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17. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department has completed its assessment of the report submitted by Cork County Council in 2013 on the proposals to upgrade the N71 between Bandon and Skibbereen; the present status of this proposal; the possible timetable for the completion of this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27104/14]

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. Furthermore, within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual national road projects, such as the N71, is a matter for the NRA in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.

My Department had no record of a report from Cork County Council on proposals to upgrade the N71 between Bandon and Skibbereen. However following inquiries I understand that while a report on this scheme was first prepared  in October 2008, the report was updated subsequently and the most recent update was in August 2013. Following the Deputy's query and following contact with both the NRA and Cork County Council, the Department has clarified that the August 2013 report divides the full scheme into 8 sections and prioritises those sections that would bring the most benefits.  The total estimated cost for the improvement works is €74.82m. To date the NRA has not been in a position to progress this proposed project.

The Government’s Comprehensive Review of Expenditure 2015-2017 and Capital Review 2015-2019 have commenced.  The Current and Capital Reviews will consider new ways of achieving Government objectives in the current tight fiscal climate, including the extent to which funding will be available for the maintenance and development of the road network. I cannot say at this point what the outcome of the Comprehensive Review and of the Capital Review process will be.