Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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26. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the much needed Adare bypass; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16441/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, 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, including the Adare Bypass 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.

As the deputy is aware the decision by An Bord Pleanála in 2012 to refuse development consent for the proposed bypass of Adare meant that the scheme reverted to the route selection stage to reassess alternative options.

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

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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27. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the A5 and on his recent engagement with his Northern Ireland counterparts in relation to this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16497/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Implementation of the A5 upgrade project is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland authorities.  The quashing by the High Court in 2013 of the Minister for Regional Development's approval for the construction of two sections of the road has resulted in significant delay.  Since the High Court decision the Northern Ireland authorities have been working on the additional evaluations needed in relation to the project.  The Department for Regional Development has completed public consultation exercises on four reports intended to address impacts on all areas with Environmental designations, including Special Areas of Conservation, Special Protection Areas and Ramsar sites, together with proposed mitigation measures.  

The A5 project was discussed at the Transport sector meeting of the North South Ministerial Council last week.  The Council noted that work on the new draft Statutory Orders and new Environmental Statement is now complete and,  when published, will be subject to public consultation which may lead to a further Public Inquiry.

I will continue to liaise with my Northern colleagues on the project through the Transport Sector of the North South Ministerial Council.