Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

222. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the current status of the Ardee bypass project; the associated key timelines; if he will provide any relevant information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40135/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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 on the status of this project.

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.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

223. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the Meath County Council draft appraisal for the proposed Julianstown bypass; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40153/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of the relevant local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Councils' own resources supplemented by State road grants, where applicable.

In relation to the appraisal of possible measures to manage traffic in the vicinity of Julianstown, the Department understands that Meath County Council intends to carry out an origin and destination information gathering exercise to obtain a clear indication of the traffic movements and patterns in and around Julianstown with a view to informing a wider transport study for the Drogheda and East Meath area. I also understand from Departmental contact with Meath County Council that the collection of origin and destination data has not yet commenced due to Covid-19 restrictions and such data is needed to inform any appraisal in respect of the Julianstown bypass. Accordingly I can confirm that the Department has not yet received the required project appraisal.