I propose to take Questions Nos. 333, 336, 337, 341 and 348 to 351, inclusive, together.
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads 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 Council's own resources supplemented by State road grants. Implementation of the regional and local road improvement projects included in the Capital Plan is, therefore, the responsibility of the relevant local authority.
The eight regional and local road improvement projects mentioned by the Deputy are included in the Capital Plan. As it will be some years before funding under the Capital Plan builds up to the level required to maintain the regional and local road network in a steady state condition, expenditure continues to be primarily directed towards maintenance and renewal work. This means that the Capital Plan upgrade projects have to be implemented on a phased basis as budgets allow and as necessary project appraisal and planning consents are obtained by the relevant local authorities. Overall over €140 million of Capital Plan funding has been earmarked for implementation of these projects, the construction of which will be subject to a competitive tender process.
The project which is most advanced is the Sallins Bypass. It has been agreed that, in the interest of economies of scale and delivery efficiency, the main design and construction elements of the Naas Bypass widening Scheme, Osberstown Interchange and Sallins Bypass Schemes are to be progressed as one construction contract. This contract is at tender at present and Kildare County Council is the contracting authority. Subject to the satisfactory outcome of the tender process, these projects are expected to be completed on a phased basis over 2019 and 2020.
It is also anticipated that the construction of the road upgrades in the vicinity of GrangeCastle Business Park will go ahead this year once the procurement process is completed. South Dublin County Council is the contracting authority.
The other projects will be progressed as the necessary project and planning consents are obtained and as funding can be made available by my Department. I can assure the Deputy that my Department is committed to these projects and will be making funding available over the capital plan period to meet the State's commitments in relation to these schemes.
As regards expenditure to date and the 2017 allocations for these projects, this information is included in the Regional and Local Roads Payment and Allocations Booklets which are available in the Dáil library.