Roads:Major road projects which Minister for Transport Martin Cullen expects to start next year include the controversial M3 motorway between Clonee and Kells, Co Meath, even though it is currently the subject of High Court proceedings.
Announcing his department's Estimate for 2006, Mr Cullen said a total of €1.3 billion would be invested in road improvements and €55 million in road maintenance.
A further €240 million is expected to be raised from public-private partnerships.
Other major road schemes scheduled to start construction in 2006 include the M50 upgrade, the Waterford bypass and phase two of the N6 (Kinnegad-Athlone).
Work would be ongoing on the N1 (Border-Dundalk) and the Ennis and Gorey bypasses.
Next year should also see the completion of work on 14 projects, including the Dublin Port Tunnel - now due to open in May - the Naas road upgrade and the Ashbourne, Cavan, Mullingar, Bundoran/Ballyshannon and Monaghan bypasses.
"The level of funding being provided will maintain the current pace and momentum [of the Government's road programme]," the Minister said.
"By the end of this year, 10 projects will be completed and a further 17 under construction".
The department's estimate for 2006 also provides for the ongoing programme of renewal on national secondary routes, planning and design work on projects to start in 2007 and onwards, and €21 million for investment in regional airports.
Mr Cullen also confirmed that the Government had decided to transfer responsibility for the commercial sea ports to his department from the Department of the Marine, to come in from January 1st.
