The National Roads Authority (NRA) has bluntly informed the Government that, without extra funding, it will be impossible to complete the planned motorways from Dublin to Cork and to Galway by 2008.
It has suggested the necessary €2 billion could be raised through the franchising of toll systems on nine major roads. The frustration of the chief executive of the NRA, Mr Michael Tobin, over the manner in which public expectations have been raised by the Minister for Transport, Mr Brennan, while the funding and legislation needed to fast-track road projects are not being provided, is obvious. The NRA is reluctant to become a whipping boy for Government failures.
Elements of that approach were evident in Mr Brennan's comments at the opening of the new dual carriageway between Kilmacanogue and the Glen o' the Downs, in Co Wicklow, last week. Road construction was seriously delayed by the activities of so-called ecowarriors, who occupied woodlands in the glen for three years and instituted a series of court challenges to prevent the road being built. The Minister complimented the NRA on the completed work but he also announced an independent investigation into a 70 per cent cost overrun, which added €35 million to the cost of the project.
The need to secure value for public money is vital. If enacted, the legislation promised by Mr Brennan would help in this regard. An early decision on road-tolling must be taken if construction delays on the Cork and Galway roads are to be minimised and traffic congestion reduced. The Irish Road Hauliers' Association has objected strenuously to any extension of the tolling system. This is to be expected, given the likely impact on profitability. Motorists, faced by rising fuel prices, would also prefer to avoid them. But those who use the new roads should pay for them, rather than expect the general taxpayer to do so.
The NRA has pledged to focus on projects in the Border, Midlands and West regions during the coming year. Mr Tobin said the full financial allocation under the National Development Plan would be spent by 2006. That may sound impressive. Many factors have contributed to delays and over-runs, including construction inflation and a shortage of professional expertise. Farmers held up the programme for about a year when they campaigned for higher levels of compensation. And the stop-go nature of official funding was significant. The development of our roads infrastructure was the big failure of the Celtic Tiger years. Decisive Government action is now required.