Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 January 2013
1128. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to a bridge collapse in the Beaufort area of County Kerry known locally as Spideog Bridge located on the L7515 close to Beaufort church, when money will be made available to this job; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1176/13]
View answer1129. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding funding in respect of a bridge (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1191/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1128 and 1129 together.
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in its area, is a statutory function of each road authority in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993. Works on such roads are a matter, for the relevant local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority. In July last year, the National Roads Authority (NRA) on behalf of the Department issued a circular to all local authorities inviting applications for consideration for funding in 2013 under the Specific Improvement Grants Scheme. Kerry County Council submitted 9 projects for consideration for funding in 2013; however the Cahersivane Bridge and Spideog Bridge were not included in the Council's submission. It is open to Kerry County Council to fund these works from its Discretionary Grant or alternatively from its own resources.
