Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 January 2017
710. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide further funding to local authorities in County Cavan in order that a dangerous junction (details supplied) in County Cavan can be improved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3952/17]
View answerWhile I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme, the construction, improvement and maintenance of individual national roads (including the junction of the N3 and the L7031 at Murmod Cross, Virginia, Co. Cavan), is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting this I have referred the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
As regards the L7031, the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in County Cavan is the statutory responsibility of the relevant local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from the 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.
On 24 January, I announced the 2017 regional and local road allocations to all local authorities, which represents an increase of about 9% this year. The priority in 2017 continues to be the maintenance of our existing road network. My Department has to work within the budgets available to it in the Capital Plan and all grant funding for 2017 has now been allocated.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
