Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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198. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the protocols and processes in place to enable the National Roads Authority resolve detailed design issues with the NPWS, as outlined in An Bord Pleanála's decision on the compulsory purchase order for the road from Uachtar Ard to An Teach Dóite, County Galway; if she will ensure, on the one hand, that the development of this project does not cause ecological damage and, on the other, that it goes ahead expeditiously; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4133/15]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The granting of consent for this road project was subject to a number of conditions by the relevant planning authority, including the requirement for the Construction Stage Erosion and Sediment Control Plan and all method statementsto be approved by Galway County Council and agreed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department, as well as Inland Fisheries Ireland. My officials have agreed a process with Galway County Council in this regard and to date one method statement has been submitted and subsequently agreed. It is expected that there will be a substantial number of method statements developed over the lifetime of this project and my Department will engage with the process as expeditiously as possible, having regard to our obligations under European law. It is important that the project proceeds in a manner that is fully compliant with Ireland’s obligations under EU law and all of the authorities involved, including, Galway County Council, have a responsibility in this regard.

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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199. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the input the NPWS has had into the development of the proposed new road across Galway city and if her Department is satisfied with the consultation initiated by the national roads office of Galway County Council with her Department to date in relation to this development; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4134/15]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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As this project is at preplanning stage, it would not be appropriate to comment on specific matters at this time. However, my Department is engaging with the relevant authorities on an ongoing basis with regard to ecological matters.

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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200. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if agreement has been reached between her Department or the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the National Roads Authority and Galway County Council regarding the development of the road from An Teach Dóite to An Clochán, County Galway; if not, the outstanding issues that need to be resolved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4135/15]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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It is my understanding that this portion of the development of the N59 is presently before An Bord Pleanála. As such, this matter falls under the responsibility of that authority and it would not be appropriate for my Department to comment on the issue.