How much will the project cost?
Response: The project is currently at Phase 2 (Options Selection) which examines a number of feasible alternative options to determine a preferred option that could address the project objectives. Phase 3 (Design and Environmental Evaluation) would develop the design of the preferred option.
Should the project successfully progress through these Phases, it is at this point, when sufficient information is known and collected on the preferred option that a cost estimation range for the proposed preferred option will be undertaken.
How long will the project take?
Response: The project is currently at Phase 2 (Options Selection) and will take a number of years to pass through the various steps required for the current Phase 2, Phase 3 (Design and Environmental Evaluation) and Phase 4 (Statutory Processes), provided it successfully progresses through each Phase. Phase 3 (Design and Environmental Evaluation) timeframes will be dependent on the nature, scale and complexity of the emerging preferred option identified in Phase 2, which in turn will impacts on the subsequent Phase 4 (Statutory Processes).
What stage is the project at? What is the current status? What is the next stage?
Response: The project is currently in Phase 2 (Options Selection) which examines a number of feasible alternative options to determine a preferred option that could address the project objectives.
In Phase 0 (Scope and Pre-Appraisal), a pre-appraisal was completed on the project, which was approved by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (DTTAS) in 2019. The pre-appraisal confirmed that there is a need to examine the corridor in greater detail in Phase 1 (Concept and Feasibility) and to determine if an intervention (project) is required and if an intervention is feasible.
Phase 1 (Concept and Feasibility) was completed on the project. This confirmed that an intervention (project) is required and that an intervention is feasible. The project was approved in 2020 to proceed to Phase 2.
Following Phase 2, Phases 3 (Design and Environmental Evaluation) would develop the project design, following the selection of a preferred option, based on both technical and environmental inputs, to a stage where sufficient levels of detail exist to establish landtake requirements and to progress the Project through the statutory processes.
What is the preferred option/solution? What options will be assessed? Can I see the options? How will options be assessed?
Response: The project is currently in Phase 2 (Options Selection) which examines a number of feasible alternative options to determine a preferred option that could address the project objectives. During Phase 2 public consultation events will be advertised and held to present potential options and provide an opportunity to gather feedback from the public.
Phase 3 (Design and Environmental Evaluation) would develop the project design, following the selection of a Preferred Option, based on both technical and environmental inputs, to a stage where sufficient levels of detail exist to establish landtake requirements and to progress the Project through the statutory processes.
Options will be assessed in line with Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (DTTAS) Common Appraisal Framework methodology.
How will I be informed of progress and project development?
Response: Public consultation events will be advertised and held to present potential options and provide an opportunity to gather feedback from the public.
The project website will communicate details such as the current status, progress, publications and public consultation information, updates and bulletins. The project website will be updated on a regular basis as required.
When will the project be constructed?
Response: The ‘M4 Maynooth to Leixlip’ is listed as a section of the transport network to be progressed through pre-appraisal and early planning and prioritised for delivery under the National Development Plan 2018–2027. In this regard, there are no indicative dates for construction.
Construction will be dependent on the project successfully proceeding through the various steps required for Phase 2 (Options Selection), Phase 3 (Design and Environmental Evaluation) and Phase 4 (Statutory Processes) and funding availability if the project successfully completes these Phases.
What will be the disruption to users of the M4? Will noise and other potential environmental impact be assessed?
Response: The project is currently in Phase 2 (Options Selection) which examines a number of feasible alternative options to determine a preferred option that could address the project objectives. Phase 3 (Design and Environmental Evaluation) would develop the design of the preferred option and carry out further assessment including evaluation of environmental impacts.
Should the project successfully progress through these Phases, it is at this point, when sufficient information is known and collected on the preferred option that any potential impacts will be assessed and plans for mitigating those effects developed.