Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 June 2020
853. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if discussions have taken place within his Department on providing funding for the east-west link road and rural roads in general; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8328/20]
View answer854. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the extension of the M3 motorway to Cavan town and the east-west link which are urgently needed in the north-east; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8329/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 853 and 854 together.
As the Deputy is aware, 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.
In relation to the East West link, this year I allocated €100,000 to Cavan County Council to enable the Council to continue their work in undertaking an appraisal to assess the extent to which the scheme or elements of it can be justified in terms of the Public Spending Code and the Common Appraisal Framework. Preparation of an appraisal is the responsibility of the Council. Following the completion of this appraisal work the possible funding of future upgrade works would be dependent on a number of matters including the outcome of the appraisal, Government policy and the availability of funding.
Regarding funding for rural roads, the 2020 grant allocations were announced on 21st January. 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.
Regarding the extension of the M3 motorway to Cavan town, as Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
