Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and 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 and the necessary statutory approvals.

The N20 road corridor options are currently being progressed by TII with rail-based alternatives as comparators. These options include a new motorway, the M20, or the upgrading of various sections along the existing N20. The two rail scenarios being considered include the existing Cork to Limerick rail line and a new rail line from Charleville to Limerick. The road options largely follow the existing N20 corridor.

An online public consultation on the possible route options, carried out by the N/M20 Project Team, had unprecedented public engagement with the closing date for submissions extended by four weeks from the 18 December 2020 to the 15 January 2021. In order to take into account possible changes to appraisal requirements, the assessment work on options continues, with a preferred route to be selected by Quarter 2 of this year and public consultation to follow.

Subsequent to this, work on scheme design and environmental evaluation will be undertaken, in addition to the scheme Business Case, which is required under the Public Spending Code. The scheme Business Case is expected to be submitted to the Department of Transport and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in early 2023. Subject to its approval, the submission of statutory documents for the project to An Bord Pleanála will follow thereafter. TII has allocated €6 million to the scheme for 2022.

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

Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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224. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the total spend on the Dunkettle interchange project to date; the estimated savings that have been made; if he will provide an update on the progress of the project; the estimated timeline for completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2253/22]

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 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 and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the current status and funding 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.