Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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195. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will outline the landscape and management plans that are in place to help combat climate change by maximising the use of roadside spaces to help reduce carbon emissions and pollutant gases, provide roadside shelter and increase biodiversity by the use of native tree species while at all times taking into account health and safety concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63099/22]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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196. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if native tree species are always planted in tree planting programmes along roadways; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63100/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 195 and 196 together.

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 operation and maintenance 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.

Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if a reply is not received within ten working days.