Derek Nolan (Galway West, Labour)
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609. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the date on which on-site construction will commence on the Gort to Tuam motorway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28056/14]

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.

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.

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.

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.

In general, dedicated cycle lanes are not provided on local roads for a variety of reasons; including topography, suitability, visibility, traffic volume and type and so on.  It is not possible to give a general estimate of costs involved if a local authority were to consider the provision of such lanes, as the estimated costs depend on the factors above and others, including road surface and compliance with standard design requirements.

As the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is a matter for the local authority, I would advise the Deputy to contact the Roads Division of his local authority directly, regarding the feasibility of such works.