Speech by Mr. Martin Cullen T.D., Minister for Transport at the Opening of the NRA Environment Conference

Date: 30 March 2006

Introduction

I am delighted to be here today to open the National Roads Authority (NRA's) one-day conference entitled "Building a better road Environment". Today's conference sees the launch of the NRA's Strategy to further promote the integration of environmental measures into the planning, construction and operation of the national road programme. Today clearly demonstrates the NRA's ongoing commitment to the integration of environment into the roll out of the national roads programme and the launch of this four-stage Strategy supports measures which are already in place and working well.

National Roads Programme

With the launch of "Transport 21" in 2005, 2006 will see an acceleration of the already vibrant pace of the national roads programme throughout Ireland. A record 300kms of new roads will begin construction during the year, three times the average length of starts in the past 3 years. The exchequer provision of over €1.4bn in 2006 means that the largest single investment in our nation's history will go into the National Roads Programme this year and will bring it closer to achieving a modern inter-urban network of safe roads delivering a high level of services for road users throughout the country.

Environmental Impact

However, the challenge facing the NRA and the local authorities is to deliver a safe and efficient network of national roads within the framework of sustainable development. The NRA has demonstrated its commitment to implementing the National Roads Programme in co-operation with local authorities and other stakeholders in a manner that avoids or mitigates adverse effects on the environment.

A key element has been the engagement of all stakeholders as early as possible in the design and planning phases for road schemes.

This is something I witnessed at first hand myself when I served as Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. In the National Roads Project Management Guidelines, published in 2000, environmental concerns are integrated with other issues, not least engineering, at the earliest stage in the planning and road design process. Of course, as the project evolves, the EIA process provides a further systematic examination of the environmental impact of a road development.

NRA Strategy

To date the NRA has produced a series of best practice planning and construction guidelines addressing such issues as ecology, noise and vibration, environmental impact assessments, archaeology etc - to name just a few. The Strategy being launched today incorporates all legislative requirements and, where appropriate national and international policy. Implementation will be based on the guideline documents that provide a best practice harmonised approach for the treatments of environmental issues on every national road scheme.

Conference

As already stated the NRA's commitment to environment considerations is increasingly evident with the marked increase in the availability of environmental guidelines, best practice information etc. However, there is always scope for improvement and today's conference will assist in this process. The programme for today contains a full range of very interesting environmental topics and I am sure, in keeping with previous conferences organised by the NRA will be efficiently and effectively presented by various experts in their field.

Conclusion

It cannot be denied that because of their scale and linear nature, road projects can have major environmental implications. It is critical, therefore, that we continue in the planning and design of projects, to rigorously assess environmental impacts and take appropriate action on foot of the results. We equally must ensure the shortest possible time and best value for money in the delivery of our road projects. I have no doubt that today's conference and the launch of the NRA Strategy is another positive step in that process.

I will finish up now by wishing all contributors and participants a rewarding and informative day - with the great deal of knowledge and experience present I am confident that there will be many valuable lessons and pieces of advice passed on - and finally, thanks again to the NRA for their effort and energy in organising this worthwhile event.

ENDS