Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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26. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his role and function in deciding which road projects will be progressed as part of national transport policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16139/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme.  Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.This is also subject to the Public Spending Code Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals - projects of more than €100 million are subject to Government approval.

The Programme for Government includes a commitment to bring forward the review of the NDP and use the review to set out an updated NDP for the period to 2030.  The review of the NDP will be aligned with the National Planning Framework and Project Ireland 2040.

The review of the NDP is a broad and wide ranging review. It seeks to strengthen the alignment with the National Planning Framework as well as to take into account key developments since the launch of the current NDP in 2018. It will examine developments in the context of each National Strategic Outcome. It will take into account the commitments set out in the Programme for Government. It will also take into account the impacts of "Brexit" and Covid-19 as well as reflect key policy developments in areas such as Climate Change and the completion of Regional, Economic and Spatial Strategies for the three Assembly Regions.

Work is underway within my Department to contribute to this review.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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27. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if it remains part of national road transport policy for the eastern bypass to be constructed; if so, when the road will commence through planning approvals processes; if the bypass will be a toll road; if it will proceed by way of a tunnel under Merrion Strand or on a raised platform; when it will be operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16140/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme.  Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.The "eastern bypass" project is not included within the programme of new projects to be delivered in the current NDP.

I am aware that the statutory Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016 to 2036 refers to the possible development of such a road link and calls for the retention of a route corridor in the area. As is required under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 (as amended), the Transport Strategy is currently under review by the National Transport Authority, with an initial public consultation period concluding in January and a second public consultation period expected to commence by the early autumn. A revised Strategy will be approved and published by early 2022.

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.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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28. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the Dublin orbital C road remains part of national road transport policy; if so, when it will be constructed; if it will be a toll road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16141/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.The "Dublin orbital C road" is not part of the new national roads programme in the current NDP.

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.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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29. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the national road projects he expects to see proceed through to planning over the next 24 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16142/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme.  Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.This is also subject to the Public Spending Code Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals.  In this context, TII is best placed to advise you.

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.