Written answers

Thursday, 6 July 2017

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Road Projects Status

Photo of Charlie McConalogueCharlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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239. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will ensure that a renewed focus is placed on national road projects in County Donegal; if additional funding can be allocated to same to address infrastructure deficits in the county, in view of the unique challenges the county will face with Brexit; his views on whether an improved transport network post -Brexit will be beneficial for the county in attracting and growing business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31918/17]

Photo of Charlie McConalogueCharlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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240. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of a project (details supplied); and the total projected cost of the project. [31919/17]

Photo of Charlie McConalogueCharlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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241. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding allocation for a project (details supplied) from the NRA and or TII in each of the years 2011 to 2016, and to date in 2017, in tabular form; the planned purpose for each allocation; if funds have been fully drawn down; if unspent funds are ring-fenced for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31920/17]

Photo of Charlie McConalogueCharlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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246. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of a project (details supplied); the projected cost of the project; the date on which he expects works to begin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31925/17]

Photo of Charlie McConalogueCharlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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247. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding allocated to a road project (details supplied) by the NRA and or TII in each of the years 2011 to 2016, and to date in 2017, in tabular form; the planned purpose of each allocation; if these allocations have been spent; if unspent funds will be ring-fenced for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31926/17]

Photo of Charlie McConalogueCharlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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248. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will review the allocations given to a project (details supplied) to date in 2017 and ensure that an increased allocation is given in order to begin works, in view of the increased traffic in the area and the significant tailbacks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31927/17]

Photo of Charlie McConalogueCharlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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249. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will meet with Dáil Éireann and local representatives in County Donegal regarding a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31928/17]

Photo of Shane RossShane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 239 to 241, inclusive, and Nos. 246 to 249, inclusive, together.

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 national road projects is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

Investment priorities for  the period to 2022 are set out in the Capital Plan published in September 2015. Decisions on the transport elements of the Capital Plan were framed by the conclusions reached in my Department's Strategic Investment Framework for Land Transport. Based on the findings in that report it is envisaged that maintenance and renewal of the road network will continue to be the main priority and the bulk of the roads capital budget, approximately €4.4 billion, is earmarked for such essential work with a further €600 million allocated for implementation of the PPP road programme which is already under way. Within the overall funding envelope there is, therefore, limited funding for road upgrade projects and it was not possible to include a range of projects including the projects mentioned by the Deputy.

As regards the possibility of funding as part of the Capital Plan Review, my Department is making a strong case for additional funding, including the further development of a project pipeline for national road schemes.  The final decisions on allocations are, however, matters for the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and Government as a whole.  As Minister I have to work within the budget available to my Department.

Notwithstanding funding constraints TII has been undertaking some preparatory planning work with Donegal County Council in relation to the TEN-T network in the County.  While details of the national road allocations to local authorities for the years 2011-2017 (including to Donegal County Council) are available from the Dail library, actual expenditure is a matter for TII.

Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's questions to TII for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.

I have received a request for a meeting relating to road infrastructure in Letterkenny  and I am open to such a meeting subject to diary commitments. 

Photo of Charlie McConalogueCharlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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242. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of a road project (details supplied); the projected cost for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31921/17]

Photo of Charlie McConalogueCharlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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243. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding allocated to a road project (details supplied) in each of the years 2011 to 2016, and to date in 2017, in tabular form; the planned purpose of each allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31922/17]

Photo of Charlie McConalogueCharlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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244. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if moneys allocated to a project (details supplied) in each of the years 2011 to 2016, and to date in 2017 has been spent on the project; if money not used remains ring-fenced for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31923/17]

Photo of Charlie McConalogueCharlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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245. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport thefunding allocated for a project (details supplied) by the Northern Ireland executive in each of the years 2011 to 2016, and to date in 2017, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31924/17]

Photo of Shane RossShane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 242 to 245, inclusive, together.

The planning and implementation of the A5 project, including management of the project budget and expenditure, is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland authorities.

The Stormont House Agreement and Implementation Plan - A Fresh Start - sets out the Government's commitment to contribute €75 million to ensure that Phase 1 of the project (Newbuildings to north of Strabane) can commence as soon as the necessary planning procedures in the North have been concluded.

As regards the N2, the planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's questions to TII for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.

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