Written answers

Tuesday, 8 July 2014

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Road Projects

Photo of Mary Mitchell O'ConnorMary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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816. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport following recent improvement works to the Athlone bypass, if this road will be incorporated into the M6 motorway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29480/14]

Photo of Leo VaradkarLeo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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As regards the classification of the Athlone Bypass, in 2008 the National Roads Authority (NRA) made an application to my Department for the re-designation of the N6 Athlone Bypass as a motorway.  This application was carefully considered but was ultimately turned down for various reasons, including the fact that this would result in pedestrians, cyclists and agricultural vehicles being prohibited from using the bypass which includes a bridge over the River Shannon. Given the lack of suitable alternative crossing points over the Shannon and that it would be undesirable to force large agricultural vehicles back into Athlone Town,  I have no plans to re-designate this road at present.

Photo of Jim DalyJim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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818. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will detail the scheduling of pavement improvements to a section of the N71 in west Cork (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29498/14]

Photo of Leo VaradkarLeo 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, such as the N71  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.

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