Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent)
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178. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount spent by Transport Infrastructure Ireland cutting trees beside national roads and motorway networks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21221/23]

Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent)
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179. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of permits obtained for the cutting of trees beside the motorway and national roads network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21222/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 178 and 179 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 the Deputy.

Noting the above position, I have referred these questions to TII for a direct reply. The Deputy should advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within 10 working days.