543. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport whether there is a mandatory pass/fail criterion regarding AADT or the traffic-reduction benchmark under the Transport Appraisal Framework; and whether an option may appropriately be eliminated for failing to achieve it on a standalone basis. [63092/26]

The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. In that capacity, the relevant Council is responsible for the development, appraisal, design, option selection, and public consultation processes associated with a proposed transport related project in accordance with current policy and guidance.

Any scheme-specific benchmark established by the Sponsoring Agency and its project team as part of the appraisal process needs to be justified, and reasons for eliminating an option set out within the preliminary business case for the project. Therefore, queries relating to the benchmark itself, the rationale underpinning it, or the specific appraisal methodology adopted should be directed to the relevant County Council and the appointed project team.

The justification for the benchmark together with the associated appraisal evidence and assessment process, will form part of the Preliminary Business Case (PBC) to be prepared by the Sponsoring Agency and submitted for review in accordance with the requirements of the Transport Appraisal Framework (TAF).