The National Roads Authority is considering the use of tolls on a number of highways to enhance private investment in the road network. This would be part of the public-private partnership policy it has already engaged in with the Lee Tunnel and Dublin Port Tunnel projects.
The NRA is already looking at a proposal from National Toll Roads to finance a second bridge on the M50 in this way, which would involve an increase in toll charges to private motorists. The proposal would extend the existing bridge and toll booths, and separate north- from south-bound traffic, according to the NRA's Review of 1998 and Programme for 1999, issued yesterday.
Presenting the report, the chairman of the NRA, Mr Liam Connellan, said the Lee Tunnel would open early this year, as well as the Curlews by-pass in Co Roscommon. Later in the year the bypasses of Cavan and Donegal town are due to open, as is the Limerick northern relief road.
Work will start on 12 other projects, including the Drogheda by-pass, the Limerick southern ring road, Hurlers Cross in Co Clare, the Croom by-pass in Co Limerick and the Kilmacthomas by-pass in Co Waterford. Funding has been allocated for the Glen of the Downs project, in the event of this being allowed proceed by the High Court.
The chief executive of the NRA, Mr Michael Tobin, said he was optimistic that the issues raised in this court case could be solved, perhaps even without going to a full court hearing.
Mr Michael Egan, head of corporate affairs, said in relation to environmental concerns he hoped local authorities would consult the public at an earlier stage. The statutory process itself required environmental impact studies. "We want the public to avail of opportunities and avoid a situation where they wait until the Minister makes a decision and then go to the High Court or Brussels or whatever," he said. "We want to develop this in harmony and conjunction with the local community."
Mr Connellan pointed out that almost £17 million was being allocated this year for forward planning and design, up from £9 million in 1998.
A National Roads Needs Study, completed in 1998, identified an estimated investment requirement of over £6 billion for the period 2000-2019.