Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 September 2015
39. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he expects to be in a position to provide the necessary resources to upgrade local road networks, in line with the requirements set out by the various local authorities; the degree to which he expects to be in a position to meet a substantial part of such requirements in the current year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31926/15]
View answerThe 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 the local authority.
In February this year, my Department announced the €294m investment programme for regional and local roads. These grants are mainly focused on the maintenance of the existing road network and it is open to Councils to prioritise its works programme each year.
In July this year, an additional €24 million in Stimulus funding was announced for road maintenance. This additional funding will potentially see a further 280kms of regional and local roads improved/maintained in the current year under the Restoration Programme. Local authorities were also permitted to use up to 10% of the their additional allocation for Local Improvement Schemes and 20% towards Community Involvement Schemes if they so wish.
All available funding for this year has now been allocated and no further funding is available. It is a matter for the local authority concerned to prioritise works and to select projects that are in line with available resources.
