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2008 Annual Report & Accounts

National Roads Authority Annual Report & Accounts 2008 2

National Roads Authority Annual Report & Accounts 2008 Contents

Chairman’s Foreword 2 3 Chief Executive’s Statement 3 Implementing National Strategy 4

• Transport 21 • Accomplishments 2008 • Goals 2009 Sustainable Development 10

• Planning • Research • Environment • Archaeology

Public Private Partnership Programme 16

Network Services and Operations 18

• M50 Barrier-Free Tolling • Road Safety • Winter Maintenance • Signage and Delineation • Travel Information Service for Drivers • Tunnels • Bridges • Service Areas

About the National Roads Authority 22

• Establishment and Mandate • Customer Charter • Human Resources • Occupational Health and Safety • Risk Management • Information Technology • Financial Control Unit • Audit Committee

Prompt Payments of Accounts Act, 1997 26

Financial Statements 27

Board Members 46

Appendices

2008 Road Grant Payments to Local Authorities 47 2009 Road Grant Allocations to Local Authorities 48

National Roads Authority Annual Report & Accounts 2008 Chairman’s Foreword

One of the major constraints on economic 2 development is poor infrastructure. It is accepted that development strategies which target infrastructure deficiencies drive economic growth. There have been a number of benefits from the newly completed sections of motorway that have opened over last few years. They include the road safety benefit through the elimination of head-on collisions and an improved pedestrian environment with the reduction of through traffic within villages and towns.

Additionally, businesses have It can be said with conviction that I would like to acknowledge and benefitted from improved efficiencies the roads programme continues thank our Minister for Transport, associated with a modern road to operate at a high level of Mr. Noel Dempsey, T.D., for network and our tourism industry achievement. This is in no small part ensuring Government’s continuing has applauded the ease with which a result of the management and commitment to the national roads visitors can now traverse our beautiful engineering expertise within the programme and the work carried out island. National Roads Authority (NRA), an by our partners in the Department important asset which I and my fellow of Transport which has assisted us In these challenging economic times Board members greatly appreciate. in its delivery. I would also like to it is imperative that the momentum In terms of the wider construction acknowledge the fine work of all created by the current national industry, it is vital that the substantial the local authorities, regional design roads programme is maintained expertise built up in this sector in offices, consultants and my fellow because Ireland’s island economy is recent years would continue to be NRA Board members. Additionally, heavily dependent on the efficient utilised. I would like to thank the entire NRA movement of goods and people. The staff; their high level of dedication, visionary planning embarked upon On the budgetary front, the Authority expertise and professionalism by Government under the Transport will maintain our ‘value for money’ continues to ensure that national 21 Plan must be safeguarded so ethos that has been embedded road projects are delivered on time that Ireland has a modern national within the organisation. The prudent and within budget, thus guaranteeing road network on a par with the utilisation of taxpayer funding, that the taxpayer receives value for best in Europe. Indeed, the national coupled with the significant injection money. roads programme, which forms an of additional funding through the integral element of Government’s Public Private Partnership (PPP) National Development Plan, 2007- mechanism, will ensure Ireland’s 2013, constitutes a vital component national road network can provide a in meeting the challenges of high quality level of service well into sustainable economic development the future. Peter Malone in the face of current fiscal Chairman constraints.

National Roads Authority Annual Report & Accounts 2008 Chief Executive’s Statement

The year 2008 was one of continuing success and achievement in the development of the national 3 road network. We made considerable progress in improving the quality of life for both road users and residents of the bypassed towns and villages and in contributing to national economic competitiveness by developing, maintaining and operating the national road network in a safe, cost-effective and sustainable manner. This progress will be continued in 2009.

The capital budget for the NRA, Also, Phase 1 and Phase 3 of the Our achievements result from the which despite theto the economic economic M50 upgrade works which include hard work and dedication of the NRA downturn for 2009 is nonetheless very the N7 interchange, N4 interchange, staff and our local authority partners, signifi cant at €1.4 billion, will enable Ballymount junction and mainline supported by consulting engineers, us to target completion of the Major expansion were completed in 2008. archaeologists, suppliers, contractors Inter-UrbanInter-Urban (MIU)(MIU) networknetwork byby 2010,2010, Work will continue on the remaining and our colleagues at the while continuing strategic planning sections of the M50 upgrade project Department of Transport. I would like activities to ensure that we emerge which is scheduled for full completion to acknowledge their professionalism fromfrom thethe currentcurrent fi nancial downturn by the end of 2010. and dedication and to thank the NRA well placed to take full advantage Board for their enthusiasm, support The NRA’s Public Private Partnership of the economic recovery that will and direction. programme is recognised follow.follow. WeWe will continue to make internationally as being one of the progress against the Government’s best in the world. It is a tribute to the strategic objectives, ensuring that success of the programme to date the NRA will continue to develop and that the Government has authorised improveimprove asas anan organisation.organisation. the NRA to raise a further €1 billion One of the more signifi cant in private sector funding for the Fred Barry challenges over the last year was construction of a new tranche of Chief Executive the continuing transformationtransformation ofof the PPP projects. The tender process for theM50 M50 corridor. corridor. In August In August of that 2008 year we the first of these PPP concessions will replacedwe replaced the theWest West Link Linktoll plazatoll plaza begin in 2009. with a barrier-free tolling system. We have now begun to deliver the levellevel ofof serviceservice expectedexpected byby allall usersusers travelling along the M50 corridor.

National Roads Authority Annual Report & Accounts 2008 Implementing National Strategy

4 Transport 21 (2006-2015) & National Development Plan (2007-2013)

Transport 21 and the National Development Plan set out a comprehensive development programme for the network of national roads over the period 2006 to 2015.

Status

At the start of 2009, 478km of new road are under construction. Effective management of this high level of activity will continue to be our primary task in 2009.

Current Status is as follows:

■ Complete the MIU routes by 2010, totalling 738km (mainline) to motorway or equivalent Major Inter-Urban Routes standard. M1 M4/N6 – 57% opened to traffic M7 M8 – 43% under construction N9 BELFAST Atlantic Road Corridor

■ Complete 850km of additional new road by 2015. – 209km open to traffic at end of 2008 – 148km under construction

■ €2 billion private investment secured for the national roads programme DUBLIN GALWAY Atlantic Road Corridor – current status

A total of 28km of improvements on the Atlantic corridor have already opened to traffic, including the N15 Ballyshannon to Bundoran bypass, the N18 LIMERICK Ennis bypass and the N25 Kinsalebeg realignment. WATERFORD Additional improvements include:

■ N7 Limerick Tunnel (PPP), under construction.

■ N25 Waterford City Bypass (PPP), under CORK construction.

■ N18 Gort to Crusheen, under construction.

National Roads Authority Annual Report & Accounts 2008 5

M6 Phase II Kilbeggan Athlone Section of N6 Phase II At the start of 2009, 478km of new road are under construction.

National Roads Authority Annual Report & Accounts 2008 Accomplishments 2008

■ Introduced barrier-free tolling on ■ Spent €330 million on land and 6 the M50. property acquisition in respect of national roads schemes. ■ Completed M50 Upgrade Phase 1 (between Ballymount and N4 ■ Submitted applications to An Bord junctions). Pleanála for new service areas.

■ Completed M50 Upgrade Phase 3 ■ Submitted applications for (between West-Link toll plaza and sections of the N2, N3, N4, N6, N7, N8, N11 Kilpeddar N3 junction). N11,N8, N N18,11, N18, N20/N21 N20/ junctionN21 junction to to Delgany Interchange the Minister for Transport seeking ■ Completed seven new road motorway status for the dual projects totalling 139km of carriageways concerned. motorway and standard dual carriageway within budget with ■ Commenced National Secondary the majority of these ahead of Roads Needs Study. schedule. ■ Commenced National Traffic ■ Commenced work on five Management Study. projects totalling 150km of new ■ Commenced process to raise a national roads. further €1 billion in PPP funding. ■ Commenced construction on the ■ Completed the NRA Companion three remaining sections on the Landscape Treatment MIUs – N7 Castletown to Nenagh, Implementation Guidelines. N9 Carlow to Knocktopher and

the N9 Kilcullen to Carlow. ■ Co-sponsored the Sixth World Archaeological Congress held in ■ Commenced construction on the UCD, 29 June-4 July 2008, which Atlantic Road Corridor project, was attended by over 1,600 N18 Gort to Crusheen. delegates from 70 countries. ■ Published preferred-route options The NRA participated fully in the for the Atlantic Road Corridor Congress, with over 28 papers project, N20 Cork to Limerick. delivered on NRA funded road schemes. ■ Successfully immersed five tube tunnel sections across the ■ The annual National Archaeology Shannon Estuary as part of the N7 Seminar, entitled Dining and Limerick Tunnel Project. Dwelling, was held in Dublin to mark Heritage Week. ■ Published eight Compulsory Purchase Orders for future road ■ Launched the NRA’s projects. Archaeological Database.

National Roads Authority Annual Report & Accounts 2008 7

In 2008 the NRA completed M8 Cashel Mitchelstown In 2008 NRA completed seven new road projects seven new road projects totalling 139km of totalling 139km of motorway and standard motorway and standard dual carriageway dual carriageway.

■ Published Seanda, the NRA ■ Completed sign programme ■ ConstructedConstructed new new overhead overhead Archaeology Magazine, Issue 3. works on the M1, N2, N3, N7 (South gantrygantry structures structures at at the the grade- grade- Dublin), N11 (Wexford), N12, N17, separatedseparated dual dual carriageway carriageway ■ Completed 126 safety remedial N29, N30, N52 (North Tipperary andand motorway motorway junctions junctions at at the the schemes in 2008, including & Offaly), N53 (Louth) and N63 M7/N8M7/N8 Portlaoise, Portlaoise, the the M7/M9 M7/M9 junction improvements, bend (Roscommon). nearnear Kilcullen Kilcullen and and the the N20/N21 N20/N21 inin definition, pedestrian crossings LimerickLimerick. and traffic calming and management schemes.

National Roads Authority Annual Report & Accounts 2008 TheNRA NRA completed completed M50 Phase 1 ( N4 – N7) 126126 safetysafety remedial schemesschemes in 2008,2008, includingincluding junction improvements,improvements, 8 bendbend dedefifi nition,nition, pedestrianpedestrian crossings and traffi c calming and traffic calming and management and management schemes schemes.

M9 Carlow Bypass

National Roads Authority Annual Report & Accounts 2008 M8 Cullahill Cashel

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Goals 2009

■ Continue work on the MIU routes, ■ Build a pilot 80kph section of ■ Complete principal inspections of maintaining the end of 2010 national secondary road in all bridge structures on National schedule for full completion. anticipation of improving low- Primary and Secondary Roads. volume sections of the network to ■ CompleteComplete fi ve new sections ofof ■ Publish three additional this standard in the future. thethe MIUMIU routes in 2009 i.e.i.e. thethe archaeological monographs. N4N4 Leixlip/M50 upgrade, thethe ■ Commence construction on up to ■ Publish Seanda, Issue 4. N6N6 Athlone/Ballinasloe, the N7N7 six new service areas. Nenagh/Limerick,Nenagh/Limerick, the N8 Fermoy/Fermoy/ ■ Review the Archaeological ■ Re-sign all newly declared Mitchelstown,Mitchelstown, the N9 Waterford/ and Architectural Assessment motorways throughout the KnocktopherKnocktopher and N9 CarlowKilcullen to to Guidelines. network. Carlow.Kilcullen. ■ Prepare an advanced framework ■ Maintain construction scheduleschedule ■ Complete the N25 Waterford City for the second phase of strategic on the following PPPPPP schemes:schemes: M3 M3 Bypass. noise mapping in 2012. Clonee to NorthNorth ofof KellsKells motorway; motorway; ■ Commence construction on the N6 Ballinasloe toto GalwayGalway scheme;scheme; N21 Castleisland Bypass. N7 Limerick Tunnel;Tunnel; M7/M8M7/M8 Portlaoise to Cullahill/Castletown;Cullahill/Castletown; ■ Continue the Secondary Roads N25 Waterford BypassCity Bypass and M50and Needs Study. M50Upgrade Upgrade Scheme Scheme (Phase (Phase 2) for 2) for ■ Continue the National Traffic completion byby endend 202010.10. Management Study.

National Roads Authority Annual Report & Accounts 2008 10

Blue glass beads recovered from an Iron Age burial monument at Marlhill, Co. Tipperary, on the M8 Cashel – Mitchelstown Road Improvement Scheme. (Photo: John Sunderland)

National Roads Authority Annual Report & Accounts 2008 Pouring of Bridge Deck The Authority continues to work closely with planning authorities in relation to proposed

revisions of both county 11 development and local area plans

Spreading of Capping

National Roads Authority Annual Report & Accounts 2008 Environmental impact assessment remains a central process in NRA’s approach 12to the planning and construction of national road schemes.

National Roads Authority Annual Report & Accounts 2008 13

National Roads Authority Annual Report & Accounts 2008 Archaeology ■ A Mesolithic campsite on a where the priest was buried with former lakeshore at Ballyclogh, his head laid to the east, so that

NRA expenditure on all aspects of Co. Galway (now a bog) was he could rise and greet his flock 14 archaeology exceeded €24 million discovered during archaeological on the Day of Judgment. in 2008. The primary focus of this monitoring on the N6 Galway ■ Pottery from the excavations work was the substantial completion – Ballinasloe. The site produced at Collierstown, on the M3 of post-excavation analysis and over 1,000 pieces of worked stone Clonee – North of Kells, has been reporting on many schemes. Among and is the first of its kind recorded identified as Phocaean Red the varied discoveries throughout the west of the Shannon. Slip Ware, which was probably country were the following: ■ A stone-built enclosure encircling manufactured in ancient Turkey

■ A post-built circular structure approximately 70 burials was 1500 years ago. dating from the late Bronze Age found at Owenbristy, Co. Galway, ■ An early medieval tidal watermill was discovered on the N9/N10 on the N18 Oranmore to Gort. This was excavated at Killoteran, Co. Kilcullen – Waterford. Numerous site-type seems to be a peculiarity Waterford, on the N25 Waterford shards of Beaker pottery were of the Galway area. City Bypass. recovered from the site and, as ■ A large building, probably a such, this may be the second ■ A well-preserved animal trap church, was excavated on the Beaker structure to have been dating to the late Bronze Age N7 Castletown – Nenagh. This identified in Ireland. was discovered at Prumplestown interpretation is supported by Lower on the N9 Kilcullen – Carlow the presence of a ‘priest burial’, Bypass.

Stills from a computer-generated, 3D-animated reconstruction of a Bronze Age village excavated at Ballybrowney Lower, Co. Cork, on the M8 Rathcormac/ Fermoy Bypass. (Images: Digitale Archäologie)

National Roads Authority Annual Report & Accounts 2008 15

An Edward I silver long-cross penny, c. AD 1279-1307, found in the ditch of a medieval enclosure excavated at Busherstown, Co. Offaly, on the N7 Castletown – Nenagh: Derrinsallagh to Ballintotty road scheme. (Photo: John Sunderland)

A Bronze Age roundhouse being excavated at Ballynamona, Co. Cork, on the N8 Mitchelstown – Fermoy road scheme. (Photo: John Sunderland) National Roads Authority Annual Report & Accounts 2008 Public Private Partnership Programme

16 The NRA has been mandated in successive National Development Plans to secure private investment through PPP in order to deliver much-needed improvements to the national road network.

The NRA is responsible for The NRA identifi ed the followingfollowing procurement and ongoing contract schemes for possibleinclusion inclusion in this second in this monitoring throughout the design, programmesecond programme of PPP national of PPP national road construction and operational schemes:road schemes: phases of all PPP schemes. Four PPP ■ N20 Limerick to Cork contracts are in the operational (Northern Phase). phase, with six schemes currently

under construction. The NRA’s PPP ■ N20 Limerick to Cork programme has seen ten contracts (Southern Phase). awarded to date with €2 billion of ■ N11 Gorey – Enniscorthy. private sector funding being secured M3 Clonee to North of Kells motorway for national road schemes. ■ N17/N18 Gort – Tuam.

The Minister for Transport has The PPP approach is also being authorised the NRA to raise a further extended to provide for a number €1 billion in private funding for of service areas across the national national road construction, using road network, for which a tender unitary payment PPPs. competition is currently underway.

During 2009, construction workwork will continue on the following PPPPPP schemes: M3 Clonee toto NorthNorth ofof KellsKells motorway; N6 Ballinasloe toto GalwayGalway scheme; N7 Limerick Tunnel;Tunnel; M7/M8M7/M8 Portlaoise to Cullahill/Castletown; N25 N25Waterford Waterford City Bypass and thethe M50M50 Upgrade Scheme (Phase 2).2).

National Roads Authority Annual Report & Accounts 2008 N25 Waterford City Bypass The NRA’s PPP programme has seen ten contracts 17 awarded to date with €2 billion of private sector funding being secured for national road schemes.

Limerick Tunnel National Roads Authority Annual Report & Accounts 2008 Network Services and Operations

18 M50 Barrier-free Tolling

Barrier-free tolling commenced operation along the M50 on 30 August, 2008. In addition to the installation of an electronic toll gantry on the M50 and a back office by the toll operator, BetEire Flow, the establishment of barrier-free tolling necessitated a significant marketing awareness campaign to be undertaken by the NRA, advising the public of the change in the tolling arrangements and the payment options available to users of the motorway.

In tandem with the commencement improvements; bend definition, of barrier-free tolling, the West-Link pedestrian crossings, and traffic toll plaza was demolished and calming and management schemes. removed over a six week period. The The schemes completed in removal of the plaza along with the recent years have included minor completion (during 2008) of the road realignment, signing and lining at widening works on the M50 from the the Ballinmeesda bends on the N4 junction to south of Ballymount N11 in Wicklow, route treatment (approximately 8.1km) and the works on the N52 in Westmeath and section north of the plaza to the M3 improvement works at Ballysimon in junction have resulted in significant M50 Barrier-free Tolling Limerick. improvements in traffic flows on this

section of the M50. These road safety remedial schemes have proven to be very successful. A To maximise the effectiveness of five-year “before and after” analysis traffic management, the NRA will of 373 schemes completed between continue to provide a vehicle 1998 and 2003 showed that there recovery service, which commenced was an overall reduction of 97 fatal in November 2007, along the entire collisions, 73 serious and 253 minor M50. At present this vehicle recovery injury collisions. service deals with an average of thirty breakdowns or accidents per day. Winter Maintenance

Road Safety We have continued our successful road weather information system The NRA’s Road Safety Group, in (ICECAST) to cater for severe weather conjunction with local authorities, conditions on national roads. Based completed 126 remedial schemes on data gathered at 57 roadside in 2008, including junction weather stations around the network,

National Roads Authority Annual Report & Accounts 2008 conditions across the entire network now extend to cover the entire Traffic Control Centre as a means of can be predicted. Planned road network. These contracts involve the monitoring and managing M50 traffic. treatment operations can then be replacement and repair of damaged As part of the present M50 Upgrade carried out by local authorities. or non-conforming signage. works all existing VMS signage at 19 Utilising forecasts provided by Met specific junctions along the corridor Some 266km of high quality dual Éireann and taking into account will be upgraded. carriageway road were declared as the predetermined thermal area motorway by the Minister with effect Coinciding with the completion of characteristics of the network, data from 24 September, 2008 and this the first Inter-Urban Corridor (M1 generated by the road weather entailed the alteration of signage on Dublin to the Border), a new pilot ITS information system is relayed to each the affected schemes from green project called INSTANT (Information local authority and forms the basis of to blue to reflect the new motorway and Management System for decision making as to whether or not status. Multimodal Transport in the Republic treatment of the roads is required. of Ireland and Northern Ireland) will In the winter period, November 2007- Travel Information be launched in mid-2009. The project April 2008, local authorities achieved is being undertaken by the NRA and a 92% success rate in the treatment of Service for Drivers the Northern Ireland Roads Service. frost, ice or snow at weather stations The project includes the deployment One of the goals of the NRA’s on the national roads network. The of 17 VMS, 11 CCTVs and 25 ANPRs Intelligent Transportation Systems data from the weather stations is along the entire corridor to inform the (ITS) is to inform drivers in real time of available online at www.nra.ie/ public on travel times, incidents and current traffic and travel conditions, RoadWeatherInformation. other traffic management events. By thus enabling them to make safe informing drivers through the use of and effective driving decisions. ITS services, the NRA will continue to Signage and ITS manifests itself in many ways, improve the overall efficiency of the for example as roadside Variable Delineation national road network along some Message Signs (VMS), Closed of the most highly travelled routes The National Signage and Delineation Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras, throughout the country. For further Programme continued to be Inductive Loop Vehicle Detection information on ITS, go to the NRA implemented in 2008.2008. UpgradingUpgrading of (ILVD), Automatic Number Plate website www.nratraffic.ie. ofsigns signs has has taken taken place place along along the the Recognition (ANPR) camera, Lane MM1,1, N2, N3, N7 (South Dublin), N11 Control Signs and In-Vehicle Route (Wexford), N12, N17, N29, N30, N52 Guidance systems. Combined, these Tunnels (North Tipperary and& Offaly), Offaly), N53 N53 technologies allow the operator (Louth) and N63 (Roscommon). to manage a road network as Dublin

efficiently as possible by providing a The Dublin Port Tunnel has proven Significant improvements were put in combination of information such as extremely successful in achieving place at the M1/M50 Junction. New accurate travel times, notification of its strategic objective of taking overhead gantry structures were special speed limits and advanced HGVs off the city streets. Currently erected at the grade-separated dual warning of lane closures/ incidents approximately 2 million HGV carriageway and motorway junctions etc. journeys per year pass through the at the M7/N8 Portlaoise, the M7/M9 tunnel. Additionally, there has been near Kilcullen and the N20/N21 in Fibre optic cable has been deployed significant growth in non-HGV traffic Limerick. Cleaning and maintenance along the entire length of the M50 using the tunnel during the past year. of existing signage on national roads between the M1 and M11 allowing was carried out under the various for high quality CCTV images to be Sign Refurbishment Contracts which received by the Dublin City Council’s

National Roads Authority Annual Report & Accounts 2008 20

The NRA will continue to improve the overall efficiency of the national road network along some of the most highly travelled routes throughout the

country. Travel Information Service for Drivers National Roads Authority Annual Report & Accounts 2008 21

Dublin Port Tunnel Road Safety Carlow Bypass Operational Centre

Cork accordance with the appropriate but will allow future maintenance standards and codes of practice. strategies to be prioritised so as to Since its opening in May, 1999, the Additionally, regular inspection give the best value for money whilst Jack Lynch Tunnel in Cork continues of ongoing works is carried out ensuring the structural integrity of the to prove itself as an integral part of to confirm that standards of bridges within the network. the Southern Ring Road and currently workmanship are maintained from caters for over 60,000 vehicles a day. drawing-board to completion. Service Areas Limerick Routine bridge maintenance works are carried out throughout The role of the NRA is expanding from The NRA co-hosted a Public Open the country and involve, inter alia, road building to include road service day on 26 July, 2008 which offered drainage/vegetation clearance, operations such as the provision of the general public an opportunity to strengthening, waterproofing and service areas along motorways. see the new Limerick tunnel before deck and parapet repairs. The first tranche of PPP motorway it was successfully immersed in the service area schemes was released River Shannon. Approximately ten Work commenced in 2008 on for tender in 2008 in respect of sites at thousand people came to view the replacing the N59 Leenane Bridge, Lusk and Castlebellingham on the M1 construction of the new tunnel. which was washed away during severe flooding in July, 2007, and and at the Enfield on the M4. The Limerick Tunnel Project, which on the N16 Belcoo Bridge on the Proposals for the two service areas commenced construction in August, Cavan/Fermanagh border, which located on the M1 and one on 2006, is Phase II of the Limerick South had been identified as requiring total the M4 were submitted to An Bord Ring Road project connecting the N7 rehabilitation. Both structures are Pleanála in March, 2008 for approval. Dublin Road to N18 Ennis Road. The being constructed in keeping with The Board approved the M4 proposal estimated completion date is 2010. their surroundings and in sympathy in November, 2008. Subject to the with their original form and are outcome of An Bord Pleanála’s expected to be in service by mid-2009. Bridges consideration of the M1 service

All proposed bridges continue to Principal inspections of all 2,200 area, it is planned to award the PPP be reviewed and assessed prior to structures on national primary and contract in 2009. construction to ensure that related secondary roads will be completed The NRA also proposes to announce safety, durability and aesthetic by March, 2009, and the information a tender competition for a further considerations are addressed in recorded will not only identify the round of service areas in 2009. overall state of the bridge-stock,

National Roads Authority Annual Report & Accounts 2008 About the National Roads Authority

22 Establishment and Mandate

The National Roads Authority was formally established as an independent public body under the Roads Act, 1993. Our primary task is to secure the provision of a safe and efficient network of national roads (the specific functions of the NRA are set out in Section 19 of the Act, as amended by the Roads Act, 2007). National road design, construction and maintenance work is generally carried out by local authorities on behalf of the National Roads Authority.

Members of the Authority’s Board level of service we provide to our ■ Comprehensive policy documents are appointed by the Minister for customers. Developments in this relating to accessibility issues Transport, having regard to their regard include: have been published. The experience and competence in documents concerned emphasise ■ Written correspondence issued relevant areas including roads, the Authority’s commitment to by the Authority clearly states the transport, industrial, commercial, improve access to mainstream name of the official concerned financial or environmental matters. public services for people with and his/her job title. disabilities and include the Customer Charter ■ The Authority continues to following undertakings: facilitate customers wishing to – Corporate documents will The Authority is committed to conduct their business through the be published in a style that is providing a professional, efficient Irish language. as clear and jargon free as and courteous service to all our possible. ■ customers. Our Customer Charter Appropriate publications are and Customer Action Plan for the produced in Irish. – We will provide information period from 2007 to 2010 set out and documents on our ■ An Access Committee was the standards and levels of service website in a format that can established during 2008 to our customers can expect in their be used in conjunction with ensure that the requirements of dealings with the Authority. Copies adaptive technology. the Disability Act, 2005 are fully of the documents may be obtained implemented by the Authority. – We will ensure that the online at www.nra.ie Authority’s facilities comply ■ Disability equality training has with Health & Safety Significant progress has been been carried out for staff to regulations and that achieved by the Authority in ensure awareness of accessibility appropriate facilities are implementing the commitments issues for both internal and available for the disabled. made in our Customer Charter which external customers. are aimed at further improving the

National Roads Authority Annual Report & Accounts 2008 Chairman & CEO at Camiln Site on the N7 Castletown to Nenagh

The Authority is committed to providing a

professional, efficient 23 and courteous service to all our customers.

M9 Carlow Bypass

National Roads Authority Annual Report & Accounts 2008 ■ The Authority continues to ensure Training and Safepass for all relevant Risk management is aligned with the that our programme for the staff. Access training and ongoing strategic objectives of the NRA and development and maintenance review will ensure the organisation’s seeks to protect the performance, 24 of the network of national compliance with the requirements standing and reputation of the roads, as set out in the National for public bodies as set out in the NRA. The risk management Development Plan, 2007-2013 Disability Act, 2000. process provides an assurance and Transport 21, is implemented of the reliability, robustness and The NRA continues to support staff efficiently and cost-effectively. appropriateness of NRA systems. with their professional development. The Authority is developing The risk management policies and appropriate mechanisms to Occupational Health plans of the NRA are regularly further facilitate the monitoring updated to provide risk assurance to and reporting of progress on the and Safety management at all levels. numerous commitments we make The NRA is one of the biggest public in our Customer Charter and we sector clients for the construction Information will continue to strive to deliver the industry and as a result has an highest possible levels of service to all Technology obligation to maintain and our customers. encourage best practice with regard The NRNRA’sA’s InformationInformation TechnologyTechnology (IT)(IT) to safety within all national road field Section is responsible for maintaining Human Resources and office activities. and developing IT infrastructure forfor NRA staff and applications at remoteremote Human Resources continue toto A full revision of all existing policies locations around thethe country.country. support the deliverydelivery ofof thethe NRA’sNRA’s and procedures is being undertaken strategic objectives throughthrough thethe and this will result in a new health and In 2008, a significant enhancement continuing development ofof allall staff.staff. safety management system that will to the NRA website was put in place be launched in 2009. through the provision of public access As a result of recommendations from to information about archaeological an employee consultation process, Also in the coming year a new sites and finds made on national road a Development Steering Committee manual will be compiled to facilitate schemes. Other work completed has been formed to proactively training for those involved on NRA- included a system for processing review and structure development funded works. Other manuals will set road safety auditing applications and processes for all staff members. The NRA standards for site monitoring enhancements to the NRA intranet. primary objective of the Steering and for accident reporting and Committee is to review ongoing investigation. These will be followed practices in the areas of Personal by programmes of training for those Financial Control Management and Development involved in NRA-funded works and Unit (FCU) and Internal Communications within site visits for support and monitoring the NRA and then to structure and purposes. The Financial Control Unit has implement a relevant, effective responsibility for carrying out the personnel development strategy. Risk Management internal audit function of the NRA and reports directly to the Audit There is a continuous focusfocus onon It is the policy of the NRA to comply Committee of the Board. employee health, safety and with best practice governance and wellbeing through ongoing trainingtraining accountability standards appropriate and education. Health and safetysafety to State agencies. training provided toto staffstaff duringduring the year2008 included Manual Handling, Fire

National Roads Authority Annual Report & Accounts 2008 Work in the FCU is as set out in the The NRA’s functions include the Work in 2009 will continue to focus on Annual Internal Audit Plan. This Plan provision of road grants to local the delivery of the Annual Internal is devised with a view to affording authorities for improvement and Audit Plan which will incorporate suitable priority to the NRA’s maintenance work on the network of reviews of the systems and 25 objectives, risks and obligations national roads. The NRA must ensure procedures in the NRA, EU audit work and ensuring that specified EU that appropriate procedures and and control reviews at local authority requirements are covered. The controls are in operation in relation to level. Annual Internal Audit Plan is subject the way in which the funds involved to review by the Audit Committee are used and accounted for. In this Audit Committee prior to its submission to the Board. regard the FCU carries out control reviews at local authority level. These The role of the Audit Committee is, During 2008 EU audit work undertaken reviews focus on verification of the as part of the ongoing systematic included a review of local authority correct chargeability of expenditure review of the control environment expenditure submissions under the to projects, checking compliance and governance procedures within Economic and Social Infrastructure with national and EU procurement, the NRA, to oversee the Internal Operational Programme (ESIOP) publicity and other requirements and Audit function and advise the Board 2000-2006, the Cohesion Fund, Trans confirming local authority adherence in relation to the operation and European Network – Transport (TEN-T), to procedures in place for the development of that function. Interreg IIIA and work on the Border, preparation and submission of grant Midland and Western Regional claims to the NRA. Operational Programme (BMW OP) 2007-13. In addition, significant work was undertaken in connection with facilitating the closure of the ESIOP, 2000-2006.

M8 Cashel Mitchelstown

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National Roads Authority Annual Report & Accounts 2008 2008 2007 2006 2005 € € € €

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National Roads Authority Annual Report & Accounts 2008 41

National Roads Authority Annual Report & Accounts 2008 42

National Roads Authority Annual Report & Accounts 2008 43

National Roads Authority Annual Report & Accounts 2008 44

National Roads Authority Annual Report & Accounts 2008 45

National Roads Authority Annual Report & Accounts 2008 Board Members 46 26

Peter Malone Fred Barry Chairman Chief Executive

Eddie Breen Professor Frank Convery Eric Fleming

David Holden Jenny Kent Connie Ní Fhathárta John Newell

Dr Donnacha O’Cinneide Raymond Potterton Colm Lonergan Eugene Moore (Appointment 2008)

Audit Committee Chairperson: Declan McDonagh Committee members: Eddie Breen, Eric Fleming, Jenny Kent, John Newell and Eugene Moore

National Roads Authority Annual Report & Accounts 2008 47

National Roads Authority Annual Report & Accounts 2008 48

National Roads Authority Annual Report & Accounts 2008