Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 February 2013
167. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to transfer responsibilities for roads and pathways in local authority areas of responsibilty to the National Roads Authority. [10800/13]
View answerResponsibility in relation to the National Roads Authority and legislation relating to roads rests primarily with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport.
The Action Programme for Effective Local Government: Putting People First, which I published in October 2012, sets out Government decisions on a range of measures in relation to local government. It envisages that local government will be the main vehicle of governance and public service at local level – leading economic, social and community development, delivering efficient and good value services, and representing citizens and local communities effectively and accountably. Consistent with this principle, the Action Programme gives a clear commitment that, in future, the functions of government at local level will be performed through the local government system to the greatest possible extent. It also provides for delegation of greater responsibility to local level in relation to a number of functions, including greater discretion in relation to the funding of roads. Proposals for delegation of greater responsibility to local authorities in accordance with the Action Programme will be the subject of further engagement with relevant Departments, as necessary.
