Niamh Smyth
Question:200. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if matters raised in correspondence (details supplied) will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56839/23]
View answerWednesday, 17 January 2024
Questions (200)
Written answers
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for each local authority.
Due to pressures on the regional and local road network, approximately 90% of available Exchequer grant assistance to local authorities for regional and local roads is being directed to maintenance and renewal works rather than for new roads/bridges or for road realignments.
The Department's grant funding for the maintenance of regional and local roads is allocated to local authorities on a pro-rata basis, determined mainly by the length of the regional and local road network in the county. Decisions regarding allocations to individual Municipal Districts are a matter for each local authority.
The Department appreciates that, within the overall parameters set for the grant programme, local authorities might need to target funding at particular problem areas and there is sufficient flexibility in the structure of the grant programme to allow for this.
It should be noted that Exchequer funding for regional and local roads is intended to supplement realistic contributions from local authorities’ own resources. As the statutory road authorities for their areas, it is open to local authorities to prioritise investment in certain locations, as required.
Grant allocations for 2024 will be notified to local authorities in the coming weeks.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51