Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 April 2016
151. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide more funding for road improvements to local authorities, as minor roads are deteriorating to a very poor standard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8739/16]
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.
I announced the 2016 regional and local road allocations in January 2016, of which Kerry County Council was allocated €12.9m. In February, the Council was allocated a further €4m in funding to remedy damage from recent severe weather.
Local authorities have until the 29th April 2016 to submit a second return in relation to additional works on regional and local roads following the severe weather. Following the second submission, the Department will again assess the proposals received from Councils across the country and follow up as appropriate with a top-up severe weather allocation. The total amount available for allocation in the 2nd tranche is of the order of €5m.
