Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 May 2026
197. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department has assessed the strategic case for an additional outer ring road around Dublin; and if so, to outline the findings of any such assessments. [33520/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra198. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the plans, route options or feasibility studies for a Dublin outer ring road that currently exist; when they were last reviewed; and the reason they have not progressed to delivery. [33521/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra203. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport whether the Government intends to commission new research or a strategic transport review on orbital road capacity around Dublin; and if not, the reasons for this decision. [33526/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 197, 198 and 203 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 planning, design and construction 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 Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals.
The National Transport Authority's (NTA) Greater Dublin Area Strategy does not envisage the progression of a Dublin Outer Orbital Route in its original form.
However, it proposed the provision of offline improvements in the existing road network to cater for orbital demand. It is important to point out that it is for the relevant local authorities, in the first instance, to engage with TII regarding the progression of any proposed national road project. All projects, including those listed in the NDP or any revision to the NDP, require statutory approval and compliance with the Infrastructure Guidelines.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply regarding the development of improvements to the national road network which may facilitate orbital traffic in the Greater Dublin Area. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
