Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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37. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps, particularly in respect of funding, he plans to take to progress the Narrow Water Bridge project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32795/16]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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​Under the Fresh Start Agreement, the Northern Ireland Executive and the Government agreed to undertake a review of the proposed Narrow Water Bridge project with a view to identifying options for its future development, for consideration by the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC).

The commitments in the Fresh Start Implementation Plan were discussed at the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) Plenary meeting held on 4 July this year.  The Council noted a progress report from  Senior Officials from relevant Departments in both jurisdictions which addressed the Fresh Start commitments, including the proposed Narrow Water Bridge. It was also noted that the group of Senior Officials will continue to meet regularly to maintain a strategic overview of the projects and commitments set out in the Fresh Start Implementation Plan and to explore funding opportunities for economic and infrastructural investment.  A further update on the Fresh Start commitments will be brought to the next NSMC Plenary meeting.

Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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38. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for the inclusion of the M20 motorway between Limerick and Cork to be included in the Government's forthcoming capital plan review; and his views on whether this road project is a national priority. [32673/16]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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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 national 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.

The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform indicated in his budget speech that, in light of economic growth, he is bringing forward the Capital Plan review.  While there is a strong case for additional funding for the transport sector, my Department's submission to the review will depend on the parameters set by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and accordingly I cannot say at this stage what priority can be given to a particular project.