Darren O'Rourke
Question:
63. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on Project Bruce and plans to provide a sustainable funding stream for roads maintenance and repair as Ireland moves towards low- and zero-emissions vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2414/23]
View answer
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 management of 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.
Project BRUCE will examine if a case exists to develop and apply next generation road user charging to reduce reliance on Exchequer funding while enabling government to deliver on climate targets while supporting economic growth. This is in a context where existing PPP contracts will expire in the coming decades and the network will return to public ownership. Work on Project BRUCE is at a very early stage.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply updating you on Project BRUCE. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
I refer to your recent parliamentary question, Ref. No. 2414/23, to Mr Eamon Ryan TD, Minister for Transport. The position in relation to your enquiry is as follows.
Project BRUCE is currently at early stages of consideration and involves Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) working in collaboration with the Department of Transport. The Project seeks to evaluate potential options that could be implemented when the current Public Private Partnership (PPP) toll concession contracts expire post 2030 and includes the option of next generation road user charging. There are a number of objectives guiding the options evaluation process, which include Climate Action, Financial Sustainability, Connectivity and Growth, Health and Safety, and Equity and Inclusion. Some of these options, therefore, will by their nature provide “a sustainable funding stream”, while others will not.
TII is currently working on the Climate Action Plan deliverable, which is the delivery of an ‘Implementation Plan’ by the end of June. This ‘Implementation Plan’ will set out and compare the various options against the objectives outlined above, in order to facilitate a debate on the benefits/disbenefits of the various options from economic, societal and environmental perspectives. This Plan will also set out a basic implementation approach for each of the options and potential next steps for consideration.
I hope that this information is of assistance to you.
Question No. 64 answered with Question No. 25.
