Written answers

Wednesday, 16 December 2015

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Road Projects Status

Photo of Charlie McConalogueCharlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

33. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the A5 project and his recent engagement with his Northern Ireland counterparts in relation to it; the funding he has committed for it and the funding committed by the Northern Ireland Government; the status of the funding allocated under the St. Andrews Agreement and if it is still available; when the project will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44956/15]

Photo of Paschal DonohoePaschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As I indicated to the Deputy in my reply to Question No. 586, reference 41655/15, of 24 November, "A Fresh Start – the Stormont Agreement and Implementation Plan" was concluded on 17th November and it states that the Irish Government remains supportive of the commitment to co-fund the construction of the A5 and notes that the planning issues related to the project are currently being addressed by the Northern Ireland authorities.

Under the Agreement the Government reaffirms its commitment to provide funding of £50 million for the A5 project and has committed to provide an additional £25 million to ensure that Phase 1 of the project (Newbuildings to north of Strabane) can commence as soon as the necessary planning issues have been resolved by the Northern Ireland authorities. It is envisaged that construction of Phase 1 of the A5 will start in 2017 with a view to completion in 2019.  In keeping with the revised project timeline, the Government funding will be provided in three tranches of £25 million in the years 2017, 2018 and 2019 respectively.  I have no function in relation to funding commitments of the Northern Ireland Executive.

Photo of Thomas PringleThomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

34. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the N14 and N13 roads in conjunction with the A5 road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44991/15]

Photo of Paschal DonohoePaschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

​As Minister for Transport, Tourism and 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 Transport Infrastructure Ireland (formerly known as the NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 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 TII 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 do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.