asked the Minister for the Environment if, in the interest of exploiting the tourist expansion presented by the reintroduction of the Swansea/Cork Ferry Service, he will initiate an immediate campaign to have the surfaces of roads in the Cork/Kerry region, many of which are on the verge of disintegration, brought up to standard.
Written Answers. - Cork-Kerry Road Surfaces.
62.
The question of undertaking a programme of works to maintain and improve the public roads in their areas is primarily a matter for the local authorities concerned, having regard to the level of funding available to them from road grants and local resources.
In 1988, I have allocated road grants totalling £24.98 millions to the three principal local authorities in the area (viz. Cork County Council, Kerry County Council and Cork Corporation). The breakdown of this sum is as follows:
|
£ million |
|
|
Improvement works on national roads |
13.85 |
|
Maintenance of national roads (including £908,000 for surface dressing) |
2.98 |
|
Special grants (non-national roads) |
1.65 |
|
Block grant |
3.17 |
|
County road strengthening |
2.82 |
|
County road improvements (FEOGA) |
0.51 |
The extent of expenditure from the local authorities' own resources is a matter for determination by the local authorities themselves.
The funds available for road grants in 1988 have been fully allocated. There are no other sources of finance available from which additional grants could now be made.