261. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport if he will support Galway County Council in making a formal request to An Bord Pleanála to modify the planning consent conditions in order to remove the requirement for the National Parks and Wildlife Service agreement of method statements for the improvement works on the N59 in County Galway from Bunnakill to Claremount. [1555/25]

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 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.

Matters relating to planning consent conditions are part of the statutory planning process and must be addressed by the relevant parties. Therefore, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on a specific case.

Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply on the current status of plans for the N59 from Bunnakill to Claremount. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.