255 Mr. Dennehy asked the Minister for Transport if comparisons have been made regarding the cost of road building in the UK and here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41853/06]

At the outset, I should explain that the planning, design and implementation of national road improvement projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) and the local authorities concerned.

I understand that the NRA is currently carrying out an analysis to establish the comparative cost of road construction in other European countries. This work is currently ongoing and information is being sought from the various representative organisations of the countries involved. However, my Department is informed by the NRA that on the basis of the information received to date the cost of the motorway road projects carried out in Ireland do compare favourably with the costs of such projects in the UK. Further information and analysis by the NRA is required before final conclusions can be drawn.