Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 July 2013
1195. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures he has taken to date in 2013 to protect the regional road network nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35105/13]
View answer1196. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures he has taken to date in 2013 to protect the local road network nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35106/13]
View answer1198. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to outline his plans for the protection of the regional and local road networks nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35108/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1195, 1196 and 1198 together.
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for each local authority.
Earlier this year I announced that just over €350 million was being allocated to local authorities under the regional and local road grants investment programme. More recently I announced an additional €50 million for works on regional and local roads under the Government’s Infrastructure Investment Plan, bringing the total funding available for regional and local roads this year to just over €400 million.
My Department and local authorities are working closely to develop new more efficient ways of delivering the best outputs possible with the funding available to them. Given the likely continued squeeze on Exchequer funding this concentration on efficiency is essential to achieve the best outturns for the limited money available. In this regard, I have provided local authorities additional flexibility this year by allowing councils to transfer resources into their discretionary grant. In addition my Department has been working with local authorities to implement a pavement management system to link pavement distress to treatment options. I have been encouraging local authorities, as the bodies responsible for the maintenance and repair of roads, to utilise this system to its full capabilities.
My Department also commenced a pilot community involvement scheme whereby the local community can contribute to works in money or in kind. This scheme is available to give local communities the opportunity to have these works completed where they would not normally be considered for funding. It is also important to reiterate that the role of Exchequer grants for regional and local roads is to supplement local authorities in their spending in this area.
