19 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the progress made regarding the implementation of the national roads programme; if his attention has been drawn to claims made by the Construction Industry Federation that the programme was stalled and running out of money; his views on these claims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6964/02]

Good progress is being maintained with the development of the national roads network as mandated in the national development plan, including the advancement of the five major inter-urban routes.

The NDP provides for investment of €5.59 billion, at 1999 prices, in national road improvements over the period 2000-2006. This represents a threefold increase on the 1994-1999 period. The NDP also sets out a strategic framework for the development of the national roads network over the plan period.

It is a matter for the NRA, within the NDP framework, to promote detailed programming of the work required and to manage, in co-operation with local authorities, the planning, design and implementation of individual road development projects.