Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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29. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the assessment made to establish the extent to which the proposed new ring road in Galway will contribute to transport carbon emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15166/19]

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 construction of individual national roads, including appraisal of their environmental impact, is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. 

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

However, I would add that there is a common misrepresentation of road investment as being in some manner opposed to investment in public transport or cycling and walking.  Given our size and population, the most important mode of public transport in Ireland is buses - and the delivery and maintenance of high quality road infrastructure is crucial for the sustainable mobility all vehicles, not least buses, coaches and bicycles.