Sir, - I refer to the letter from Sarah Carey (December 6th) regarding road building and public-private partnerships (PPPs). Ms Carey's contention that, in order to attract private companies, the routes selected for PPP projects are the "cheapest" and "have the worst possible impact on the locals" is incorrect and unfounded.
I can confirm that all road projects, whether PPP or not, developed by local authorities in conjunction with the National Roads Authority, follow the same rigorous process of assessment, route selection and environmental appraisal.
Only those projects which have been satisfactorily developed in this regard are submitted to An Bord Pleanβla for approval. PPP projects cannot be constructed without securing An Bord Pleanβla's approval, which entails their consideration of all these issues and the objections/submissions of the public. - Yours, etc.,
Gerard M. Murphy, Public-Private Partnership Manager, National Roads Authority, Dublin 4.