Mattie McGrath
Question:220. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport his plans to refund or make concessions for vehicles that are off the road due to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions and lockdowns. [36481/20]
View answerCovid-19 Pandemic
Questions (220)
Written answers
Motor tax is payable on an annual, half-yearly or quarterly basis if a vehicle is being used in a public place. Motor tax accrues to the Exchequer as an excise duty and is not linked to the level of usage of a vehicle on the road. While there are limits on distances for non-essential travel, the current Covid restrictions on movement do not preclude the use of a vehicle in a public place.
Motor tax legislation provides for refunds in certain limited circumstances, where:
- a vehicle has been scrapped or destroyed;
- a vehicle has been permanently exported;
- a vehicle has been stolen and has not been recovered by the owner;
- a vehicle in respect of which a tax disc has been taken out has not been used in a public place at any time since the issue of the disc;
- the owner of a vehicle has ceased, because of illness, injury or other physical disability, to use the vehicle;
- the owner of a vehicle has ceased, because of absence from the state for business or educational purposes, to use the vehicle; or
- the owner of a vehicle has ceased, because of service overseas with the Defence Forces, to use the vehicle.
There are no plans currently to amend the legislation to extend the grounds for the granting of a refund.
There is a facility in place to declare a vehicle off the road where it is not going to be in use in a public place. Under the current provisions, a declaration must be made in the last month of an existing motor tax disc or renewed in the last month of a previously made declaration of non-use. The declaration can be made for any number of calendar months between 3 and 12 months i.e. it cannot be made for a period of 1 or 2 months. However, if a vehicle is subsequently required to be put back on the road, the declaration can be broken at any time simply by taxing the vehicle.
Greenways Provision
Questions (221)
Paul McAuliffe
Question:221. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport if any local authority from Dublin applied for greenway funding in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36491/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Deputy is likely aware there are two principal programmes supporting the development of greenways.
Firstly there is the programme administered directly by my Department under the Strategy for the Future Development of National and Regional Greenways. This programme typically supports greenways focussed on leisure and tourism albeit my intention is to ensure the better integration of such greenways with their local communities and active travel needs. In July 2020 Fingal County Council was allocated €200,000 to support the design and development of the Fingal Coastal Way, a 32km high quality coastal walking and cycling amenity route that forms part of the East Coast Trail along the north county Dublin coastline between Donabate and Balbriggan. Fingal was the only local authority in Dublin to apply for funding under that funding call.
Secondly there is the programme of urban, commuter focussed greenways in each of the five cities which is administered by the National Transport Authority (NTA). In relation to applications that may have been received by the NTA from Dublin local authorities, I have I have referred your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
Greenways Provision
Questions (222)
Paul McAuliffe
Question:222. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport the funding streams available to progress the Santry river greenway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36492/20]
View answerWritten answers
`As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including cycling infrastructure.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Airport Policy
Questions (223)
Paul McAuliffe
Question:223. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport the amount of additional funding Dublin Airport has received to date in 2020, further to funding announced for airports in November 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36493/20]
View answerWritten answers
I would like to thank the Deputy for his question in relation to funding for Dublin Airport.
As you may be aware, given the devastating impacts of Covid-19 on the aviation industry, in recent days the Government has agreed a revised €80 million funding package for Irish aviation for 2021. This package includes an extra €48 million in supports for 2021 which is additional to the funding for airports announced in Budget 2021. Provision of this additional and significant Exchequer funding will further assist all our Airports -including Dublin airport, in meeting the challenges presented by Covid-19.
This funding includes provision for an Airport Charges Rebate Scheme for January to March 2021, subject to State Aid approval from the EU Commission. This is one of the recommendations made by the Task Force for Aviation Recovery and, at an estimated cost of €20m, will support the retention of core connectivity through the Winter season. The €20 million allocated to the Airports Charges Rebate Scheme will have a positive impact on all airports in the country, including Dublin Airport.
These recent announcements are of course additional to the suite of measures introduced by Government early in the crisis, to assist our citizens and businesses in facing the challenges of Covid-19. Airlines and Airports, including Dublin Airport, have been able to avail of some of those measures, in particular wage subsidy supports, rates waivers and deferred taxes.
It is estimated that Irish airports, including Dublin airport, and airlines will have received over €100 million in Exchequer supports through these measures in 2020.
Road Safety Authority
Questions (224)
John Brady
Question:224. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport the process used by the Road Safety Authority for checking tachographs; and the way in which they are checked. [36513/20]
View answerWritten answers
This is an operational matter for the Road Safety Authority, under the Road Safety Authority Acts. I have forwarded your correspondence to the Road Safety Authority for direct reply. Please contact my office if a response has not been received within ten working days.
Rail Network
Questions (225)
Catherine Murphy
Question:225. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the status of 41 rail cars due to be rolled out in 2022; if the process of calibration has commenced in respect of the rail cars; and the full cost of the delivery of the rail cars. [36529/20]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the development and delivery of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, development of the railway network including the purchase of rolling stock.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Driver Test
Questions (226)
Thomas Pringle
Question:226. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport the measures being implemented to shorten the waiting times for learner drivers sitting their driver tests; if he will review the current system and open a consultation for ideas on improvements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36554/20]
View answerWritten answers
As you are aware, car driving tests were first temporarily suspended due to the Covid-19 in March 2020 and since resuming operations in mid-July, there has inevitably been an increased level of demand due to the consequent backlog.
Unfortunately, due to social distancing and other public health and hygiene requirements, service capacity has had to be considerably reduced. This means that customers experience longer waiting times than was the case before the service was suspended.
Level 5 restrictions which took effect for six weeks from 22 October 2020, means that driving tests are now only available to those who are involved in essential services, including essential retail work. While I regret the inconvenience caused, public safety must remain of paramount importance.
The Road Safety Authority is currently examining ways of increasing the number of tests within health constraints when driver testing resumes after Level 5, and is working in close consultation with my Department on this matter. This includes increasing the number of testing staff to help reduce and, over time, eliminate the backlog.
My Department has recently approved the retention by the RSA of 18 temporary driver testers whose contracts were due to expire in October and November, and the RSA has also rehired a further 18 temporary testers whose contracts expired in May. This will help to increase testing capacity when services resume. In the longer term the Department is considering proposals from the RSA for further measures to address the backlog.
Road Projects
Questions (227)
Cathal Crowe
Question:227. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if he will direct Transport Infrastructure Ireland to install a turning lane on the N68 road at Kilmorane, Ennis, County Clare in proximity to a store (details supplied) to facilitate the safe turning of traffic on this busy stretch of road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36637/20]
View answerWritten answers
`As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 as legislated by the Oireachtas and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. It would not be in accordance with the intent of the Oireachtas as expressed in the law for the Minister to issue directions on such operational matters to TII. The work of TII and its partner local authorities is also subject to the Public Spending Code Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you.
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.
Bus Services
Questions (228)
Cathal Crowe
Question:228. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if his Department and the National Transport Authority will accept the business case made for a public bus service in Ennis, County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36639/20]
View answerWritten answers
As the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Driver Test
Questions (229)
Christopher O'Sullivan
Question:229. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will be instructed to clear the backlog for driver tests and long wait times for the National Driver Licence Service, NDLS, appointments in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36742/20]
View answerWritten answers
My Department is in constant contact with the Road Safety Authority since the start of the pandemic regarding all of its services, the impact of Covid-19 on those services, and how they can best be maintained in the current circumstances.
As you are aware, car driving tests were first temporarily suspended due to the Covid-19 in March 2020 and since resuming operations in mid-July, there has inevitably been an increased level of demand due to the consequent backlog.
Unfortunately, due to social distancing and other public health and hygiene requirements, service capacity has had to be considerably reduced. This means that customers experience longer waiting times than was the case before the service was suspended.
Level 5 restrictions which took effect for six weeks from 22 October 2020, means that driving tests are now only available to those who are involved in essential services, including essential retail work. While I regret the inconvenience caused, public safety must remain of paramount importance.
The Road Safety Authority is currently examining ways of increasing the number of tests within health constraints when driver testing resumes after Level 5, and is working in close consultation with my Department on this matter. This includes increasing the number of testing staff to help reduce and, over time, eliminate the backlog.
My Department has recently approved the retention by the RSA of 18 temporary driver testers whose contracts were due to expire in October and November, and the RSA has also rehired a further 18 temporary testers whose contracts expired in May. This will help to increase testing capacity when services resume. In the longer term the Department is considering proposals by the RSA for further measures to address the backlog.
The NDLS resumed services in June, following the closure of the centres due to the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions. All appointments must be booked in advance as it is not possible to facilitate any walk-ins due to the social distancing requirements and in the interest of protecting the staff and customers. This, of course, has led to an increase in the demand for appointments.
Under Covid19 Level 5 Government restrictions effective from midnight on Wednesday 21 October, for six weeks, applicants can attend an appointment at a National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) centre provided they are an essential worker involved in the provision of essential services or essential retail outlets.
The RSA has worked with their providers to create additional capacity through a combination of additional staff, extended and additional operating hours (i.e. Sundays where needed), and the provision of overtime. The RSA has also expanded the current online facility to accommodate all driving licence and learner permit applications. A verified MyGovID account, which requires a Public Services Card, is needed to access the online system
Road Projects
Questions (230)
Pádraig MacLochlainn
Question:230. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport if the funding requested by Donegal County Council will be provided to upgrade the Portsalon to Fanad Head Road via Doaghbeg (details supplied). [36743/20]
View answerWritten answers
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Council's own resources supplemented by State road grants.
Any projects proposed by local authorities for consideration under the Specific Grant Programme are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects put forward by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Public Spending Code (PSC) and the Department's Capital Appraisal Framework (CAF). Given the limited funding available for regional and local road improvement projects it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind.
As required under the project appraisal guidelines, a Preliminary Appraisal has been received from Donegal County Council concerning works on the Portsalon to Fanad Head road. All applications received from local authorities for Specific Grant allocations have to be assessed taking into account competing projects and the budget available for road improvement schemes. It is expected that allocations for regional and local roads for 2021 will be announced early in 2021.
Driver Test
Questions (231)
Kathleen Funchion
Question:231. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Transport if more personnel will be provided to deal with the backlog of driver tests in County Carlow (details supplied). [36748/20]
View answerWritten answers
The operation of the driver testing service is the responsibility of the RSA, and I have no role in matters relating to individual tests or individual test locations.
When the initial lockdown took place in March, driver testing services were suspended, and resumed on a phased basis over June and July. A large backlog built up during the closure period and the difficulty has been compounded due to a reduction of capacity in the system in order to comply with Covid requirements. As a result, waiting times have risen from 6.5 weeks before the pandemic to between 25 and 30 weeks for a person applying today.
The RSA and my Department have been working closely to identify ways in which to address this situation. My Deparment has already approved the retention by the RSA of 18 temporary driver testers whose contracts were due to expire in October and November of this year, and the rehiring of up to 19 temporary testers whose contracts expired in May, and I am happy to say that 18 have now been rehired, with only 1 no longer available. In addition, testers are now conducting 6 tests each per day, as against 5 when the service resumed in the summer. In normal times, the figure would be 8. The RSA hopes to be able to increase the amount to 7 in the New Year, depending on the public health situation.
Taken together these measures will help but are not a complete solution to backlog and long waiting times which have developed. The RSA has presented plans for further measures to address the issue and these are being discussed by my Department with the Authority. However, I should caution that even with extra resources there are no quick fixes. The RSA estimates that it may be the end of 2021 before we are back below a 10-week waiting time, which is the standard target level and has been for many years.
Finally I would like to emphasise that, while I appreciate the difficulty which the delay in getting driving tests causes for people, and none of us would want to be in this position, public health must come first.
Shannon Airport Facilities
Questions (232)
Catherine Connolly
Question:232. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 279 of 10 November, the way in which Shannon Airport Authority collates information on the transit of foreign military personnel through Irish sovereign territory or Irish airports; the planes and personnel that are classified as foreign military; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36770/20]
View answerWritten answers
I have forwarded your question to Shannon Group plc. for direct reply.
If the Deputy does not receive a reply from the Company within ten working days, please advise my Private Office.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Brexit Issues
Questions (233)
Joe Carey
Question:233. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport if he will work with all stakeholders to avoid post-Brexit disruption on the UK transit route by helping to establish a direct ferry service for lorries to continental Europe from Rosslare Port to the French Port of Le Havre; if his attention has been drawn to the disruption already happening at UK ports such as Liverpool and Pembroke with delays of up to two days being experienced by hauliers; the interaction that has taken place between his Department and exporter and importer groups to make progress on the establishment of a new direct ferry service to continental Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36788/20]
View answerWritten answers
As regards some delays happening at UK ports such as Liverpool and Pembroke, this issue was raised by haulier representatives recently with my Department. I understand that these delays relate to operational issues at GB ports and are therefore matters for the GB authorities.
On the issue of maritime connectivity to Continental Europe, as signalled since the publication of the report ‘The Implications of Brexit on the Use of the landbridge’ by the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO) in 2018, it has been a matter of continuing concern that there is likely to be disruption to the GB landbridge when customs and border controls between the EU and the UK are introduced at the end of the year. Since the publication of the report, my Department, in conjunction with the IMDO, has been keeping the issue of direct shipping routes to the Continent under close review, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The IMDO recently reviewed the conclusions and recommendations in the 2018 GB Landbridge Study and in particular the issue of direct maritime connectivity and capacity to Continental Europe at the end of the transition period. The IMDO analysis shows that there is more than sufficient capacity on existing direct services in the RoRo network between Ireland and mainland Europe to cater, if required, for all of the landbridge traffic currently estimated at around 150,000 trucks per annum. The shipping industry serving Ireland have shown that they are resilient, responsive and capable, without State intervention, of adjusting to and satisfying market demand.
My Department has had very regular discussions with shipping companies and other maritime stakeholders about this issue since January 2019. We have consistently received strong assurances from the shipping companies that if there is an increase in demand for shipping capacity on direct routes to Continental Europe, they will respond. Additional shipping links were added on direct routes to Continental Europe even during the Covid-19 pandemic in Summer 2020, with further improvements and increases in capacity announced to take place starting from January 2021. Indeed in the last week, we have seen moves from Irish Ferries and Stena Line to change and increase their direct sailings to Cherbourg from January 2021 so that between them there will be a daily service available from Ireland to France. This will further increase capacity on that direct Continental Europe route.
The Government considers that direct State intervention to establish State shipping links in the context of Brexit would likely undermine a market response resulting in an insufficient, inadequate and costly intervention being put in place. Such an intervention would be likely to result in legal challenges from incumbent shipping providers, would result in breaches of EU state aid rules and consequent requirements for repayment of the state aids with interest, with resulting adverse impacts on the viability of any companies receiving such aid. It could also create difficulties for the State in extricating itself from the shipping market.
As set out in the Government’s updated Brexit Readiness Action Plan, published on 9th September 2020, businesses are being asked to consider moving, in advance of the end of the transition period, to direct route options for the movement of goods from Ireland to the Continent, to avoid potential delays and the new procedures that will be introduced associated with using the UK landbridge. Shipping companies should also continue to assess expected future demand requirements and remain ready to respond to increased capacity demands, and all the indications are that this is happening.
A communications campaign is currently underway, "ACT now and Prepare to switch", which encourages importers and exporters to focus on the direct route option now. This campaign encourages stakeholders to Assess their current routes to market, Communicate their future needs clearly to shipping companies, and Trial alternative services so that disruption to the GB Landbridge route does not preclude Irish businesses from accessing foreign markets.
My Department will continue to closely monitor and keep under review the evolving situation regarding maritime connectivity to continental ports and will remain in close consultation with the maritime sector and other relevant stakeholders, including importer/exporter/freight logistics associations and companies, as we all prepare for 1 January 2021.
Road Tolls
Questions (234)
Thomas Gould
Question:234. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to plans to place a toll on the northern ring road in Cork. [36807/20]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Motor Tax
Questions (235)
Duncan Smith
Question:235. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the appeals process for appeals of motor tax arrears; the responsibilities of the office of Motor Tax and its Principal Officer in terms of timelines for dealing with such appeals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36840/20]
View answerWritten answers
Motor tax legislation does not provide for an appeals process.
There is a facility in place to declare a vehicle off the road where it is not going to be in use in a public place. A declaration of non-use must be made in the last month of an existing motor tax disc or renewed in the last month of a previously made declaration of non-use.
The declaration can be made for any number of calendar months between 3 and 12 months i.e. it cannot be made for a period of 1 or 2 months. If a vehicle is subsequently required to be put back on the road, the declaration can be broken at any time simply by taxing the vehicle.
Where a declaration is not made in advance, arrears of motor tax must be paid in full and motor tax paid for a minimum of 3 months before a declaration of non-use can then be made in the final month of the tax disc.
Driver Test
Questions (236)
Paul Donnelly
Question:236. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport the provisions put in place to cover the backlog in driver theory tests; and if they can be moved to an online forum. [36843/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Driver Theory Test has not been deemed to be an essential service under level 5. As a consequence, the service is closed, effective from midnight on Wednesday 21st of October, and will remain closed for the duration of level 5 restrictions. All appointments during that time have been rescheduled to the next available appointment date.
The Road Safety Authority has advised my office that it is engaging with its service provider to examine ways of increasing the number of tests within the current health constraints for when services are resumed. This will help reduce and, over time, eliminate the backlog.
My Department has requested that the Road Safety Authority, as the body legally responsible for the driver theory test, examine whether theory tests can be taken on line remotely and what is required to do so. I understand that the Authority is developing proposals in that regard. However, this planning is at a very early stage and is not expected to come on stream in the immediate future.
Electric Vehicles
Questions (237)
Joe O'Brien
Question:237. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport if the rebate that previously existed for companies switching to electric vehicles will be restored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36839/20]
View answerWritten answers
In responding I am assuming that the Deputy’s question is referring to the SEAI Commercial Electric Vehicle (EV) Purchase Grant Scheme that provided support towards the purchase of a new M1 class EV. This grant provided up to €3,800 towards the purchase of a new passenger EV for businesses and public entities. Provision of the grant for M1 vehicles ceased in October 2019; however, grant support is still available for new N1 (vans and light trucks) commercial EVs.
In Budget 2019, the Minister for Finance announced that fully electric commercial vehicles would be eligible for a 0% Benefit-in-Kind rate, up to €50,000, without mileage conditions until the end of 2022. This announcement represented a significant financial incentive to many operating business vehicles. The Accelerated Capital Allowance Scheme also represents a substantial financial benefit to businesses, allowing the cost of commercial EVs and their related infrastructure to be written down in the year of purchase instead of over the traditional eight years. In addition, commercial EVs can avail of toll reductions up to a maximum of €1,000 per annum, as well as lower annual motor tax.
The Minister recently approved the introduction of a grant for electric vehicle (EV) demonstration cars in recognition of the important role that such cars play in familiarising consumers with EVs. An EV Purchase Grant of €3,800 is provided in respect of Category M1 demonstration cars registered by EV dealerships approved by the SEAI. The SEAI have notified EV dealerships of the terms and conditions of the grant and the means by which dealerships may apply for and receive the grant.
An EV Spending Review published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, found that Irelands current range of EV financial incentives are among the most generous in the world. As the Deputy is aware, care must be taken to ensure that a balance is struck between improving EV sales and not placing unsustainable costs on the Exchequer. Priority must remain on the most cost-effective measures that aid in Ireland's transition to a low carbon economy. Under the existing incentive regime we have seen the highest ever EVs sales in the last two months, despite the challenging times we are facing with COVID-19.
I am committed, in my role as Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications and Minister for Transport to continue to review the EV support schemes on an on-going basis as it is critical that we set Ireland on course to achieving the EV targets outlined in the Climate Action Plan. To this end, an Electric Vehicle Policy Pathway Working Group was established to consider the optimum mix of regulatory, taxation and subsidy policies available to Government to significantly accelerate EV sales. I am given to understand that the Working Group gave consideration to the role of the commercial sector in helping to hasten this transition. I plan to publish the Recommendations of the Working Group when I have received and considered them.
Departmental Budgets
Questions (238)
Catherine Murphy
Question:238. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the way in which his Department’s annual amount for contingent liability is set; the factors considered when setting contingent liability; if forecasting is undertaken regarding setting future amounts; the contingent liability figure for his Department for 2020; and if the contingent has been utilised to date in 2020. [36914/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Department does not have an annual set amount for contingent liability. The Department's contingent liabilities in an accounting year are declared under Section 2.10 of the Appropriation Accounts. The contingent liability paid out for 2019 constituted €1.196m for a long running legal case, Smith v Meade. The Department is not aware of any declared contingent liabilities to date for 2020.
Road Projects
Questions (239)
Jackie Cahill
Question:239. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport if funding will be made available for a section of roadway on the R502 between Templemore and Templetuohy, at Lisdaleen, Templetuohy, Thurles, County Tipperary in view of the fact that there is a patch of this road that has been subjected to ice and serious car crashes for the past two winters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36944/20]
View answerWritten answers
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Council's own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
Under the Department's Discretionary Grant, Councils have the discretion to use grant funding for eligible winter maintenance works. In this context it is a matter for each Council to determine its winter road treatment programme including the prioritisation of routes for salting/gritting.