I understand that the Deputy is referring to the current funding allocation for national roads in 2018. As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The maintenance of the national road network is the responsibility of Transport Infrastructure Ireland under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Within its overall budget, the assessment and prioritisation of expenditure is a matter in the first instance for TII in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.
The position in relation to budgets for 2018 is that TII's current expenditure budget has been reduced by about €6 million compared to the 2017 outturn while its capital budget has been increased by about €35 million to €434 million.
As regards the allocation of resources under particular expenditure headings, such as ordinary maintenance, this is a matter for decision by TII. In this context I understand that TII explained the basis of the 2018 allocations to local authorities in advance of notifying them of their 2018 allocations.
Noting the above position, 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.
