I fully support the commitment in the programme for Government to maintain the existing road network to a high standard and to fund safety improvements.
That being said, in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act 1993, each local authority has statutory responsibility for the improvement and maintenance of its regional and local road network. Works on regional and local roads are funded from local authorities' own resources and are supplemented by State road grants.
The primary focus for capital investment under the national development plan continues to be the protection and renewal of the regional and local road network, which plays a critical role in supporting economic and community links throughout the country. Ireland's regional and local road network spans over 96,000 km. The network requires significant funding to ensure it remains fit for purpose, safe and resilient.
I was delighted to allocate €658 million towards regional and local roads this year with approximately 90% of this funding being directed towards maintenance and renewal works as per the programme for Government commitment. This allocation represents a €32 million increase in State funding compared with last year. Of this funding, over €10.5 million was allocated under the safety improvement works grant programme to regional and local roads for 261 schemes across the State while a further €10.1 million of specific improvement grant programme funding was allocated to schemes related to safety improvements. In addition to protecting and renewing the regional and local road network, it is a priority to carry out targeted improvements to sections of the network and €677 million has been earmarked towards this aim over the lifetime of the NDP.
I recognise the impact that persistent rainfall has had on the regional and local road network this winter and I am exploring options as to any supports that might potentially be provided to local authorities. Of course, this will be dependent on the availability of funding from across my Department's wider investment programme.