Road Improvement Schemes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 July 2019

Tuesday, 23 July 2019

Questions (3013)

Pat the Cope Gallagher

Question:

3013. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to make a specific funding allocation for the improvement of roads on offshore islands; the budget she has in place for funding roads infrastructure on the islands for the current financial year; the funding allocated for the County Donegal islands in 2019; the level of applications made for further funding for all County Donegal island roads that are lodged with her Department and awaiting sanction of funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32172/19]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

My Department is currently examining applications from local authorities, including Donegal County Council, with islands under their remit for co-funding of minor works programmes, including roads, on those islands in 2019.

The total budget available to my Department in 2019 for capital works on the offshore islands is €1.644m and all capital works, including any major infrastructural developments and minor works programmes, must be funded from this budget.

A decision in relation to the applications received from local authorities will be made in due course, having regard to the various other demands on this funding.