Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 19 Nov 1997

Vol. 483 No. 1

Written Answers. - Roads Funding.

Brendan Smith

Question:

191 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will provide additional funding to Cavan County Council in 1998 towards the repair and maintenance of regional and county roads in view of the very poor condition of many roads which are causing severe hardship to many local communities; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that these road conditions hinder economic and social development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19895/97]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey)

Non-national road grant allocations for 1998 have not yet been determined for individual local authorities but will be announced as early as possible in 1998.

I am fully aware that poor road conditions can hinder economic and social development and I intend to honour the Government's commitment to ensure increased funding for the maintenance of regional and county roads. In this regard the recently published Abridged Estimates for 1998 allocate a record amount of nearly £199 million to non-national roads; this represents an increase of over £26 million or more than 15 per cent on the original 1997 provision of £173 million.