Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 May 2020
1067. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be provided for a roads project at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5230/20]
View answerThe 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. The initial selection and prioritisation of works is a matter for decision by the local authority.
Before the financial crisis, local authorities could apply on a regular basis for grants for Specific and Strategic Improvement Grants to improve roads. However, the extent of the cutbacks in grant funding during the recession meant these grant schemes had to be curtailed after 2013 because expenditure on maintenance and renewal was falling well short of what was required to adequately maintain the regional and local road network.
Project Ireland 2040 does provide for the gradual build up in funding for the road network but it will take some time yet to reach the level required for the adequate maintenance and renewal of the network. For this reason there is limited scope at present for funding projects under the Specific or Strategic Grant Programme.
Any projects proposed by local authorities for consideration under the Specific or Strategic Grant Programmes are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis and must comply with the requirements of the Public Spending Code and my Department's Capital Appraisal Framework. Our records indicate that a project has not been submitted by Laois County Council for works at Redcastle Cross.
The details of the regional and local road grant allocations and payments to local authorities are outlined in the regional and local road grant booklets which are available in the Oireachtas Library.
I would suggest that the Deputy contact the relevant Local Authority, in this case, Laois County Council for further details.
