Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 10 May 2000

Vol. 518 No. 6

Written Answers. - Roads Funding.

Michael Creed

Question:

377 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his views on whether the discretionary spend budget for routine maintenance is adequate in view of the fact that much of the money being made available to local authorities for road works is specifically allocated for individual roads; the position in relation to roads which are not part of the five year rolling programme of improvements; and the plans, if any, he has to make available to all local authorities an increased budget for routine maintenance of roads not covered by the five year plan. [12546/00]

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

Funding for non-national roads has been increased significantly in recent years: from an overall £174.8 million in 1997 to £263.74 million in 2000, an increase of51%. Discretionary maintenance grants for county councils have been increased by some 43% during the same period, from £9.635 million to £13.74 million, while restoration maintenance grants have grown by some 45% from £23 million in 1997 to £33.4 million in 2000.

I am satisfied that this increased level of central funding, supplemented by local authorities' own resources, is providing appropriate support for the maintenance of the non-national road network and for its systematic and accelerated improvement. This approach will be continued in the context of the significant funding being provided for non-national roads in the National Development Plan, 2000-2006.