Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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285. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of times his officials have considered funding for the north ring road completion in Cork city since 2016; and the measures he will take to alleviate traffic flows on major national roads on the northside of Cork city. [44062/18]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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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.  Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the planning, design and operation of individual roads is a matter for the relevant road authority in relation to local and regional roads, or for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in conjunction with the local authorities concerned, in relation to national roads. 

However, I would like to explain that there are two separate road proposals to alleviate traffic congestion for the north Cork City area.These two options are outlined below:-

- Under the National Development Plan (NDP) there is a reference to a North Ring Road linking the N20 to Dunkettle.The Cork North Ring Road is a complementary scheme to the M20 and consideration of the North Ring Road can best be assessed as part of an overall transport strategy for the metropolitan Cork area which would include the examination of public transport and demand management options.

- The other option is the provision of a Cork Northern Distributor Road which is being considered under the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS). 

The Cork Northern Distributor Road will be appraised first and after that consideration will be given to the need for the proposed North Ring Road.  Any question of funding will be evaluated in the context of those appraisals.  

Noting the above position, I have referred the question to TII for a more detailed and direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.