Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 November 2011
566 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if extra funding will be provided for projects (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32021/11]
View answerThe Local Improvements Scheme provides funding for non-public roads and the maintenance and improvement of these roads is in the first instance a matter for the relevant landowner.
The 2011 regional and local road grants have now been fully allocated and there are no further funds available from which an additional allocation towards the Local Improvements Scheme could be made.
567 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding toll road charges for designated emergency service vehicles of the Health Service Executive national ambulance service using rapid response vehicles on the motorways or toll roads; if these vehicles are exempt from the charges, and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32026/11]
View answerThe statutory power to levy tolls on national roads, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into toll agreements with private investors in respect of national roads is vested in the National Roads Authority (NRA) under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended by the Planning and Development Act 2000 and the Roads Act 2007).
Section 62 of the Roads Act 1993 specifies the categories of vehicles which are exempt from the payment of toll charges — the categories are ambulances and fire brigade vehicles together with vehicles used by the Garda Síochána or the Defence Forces in the performance of their duties. The exemption does not extend to other categories of vehicles.
