Road Improvement Schemes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 December 2020

Tuesday, 8 December 2020

Questions (142)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

142. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport if requirement for local authorities to submit a three-year roadworks programme can be amended within the lifetime of the programme in order to include roads that have deteriorated significantly since the submission of the three year programme; if the local authority require Departmental authority and sign-off to change sections of their road works programme within the lifetime of the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41329/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

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 local authorities' 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.

In 2018 Councils were requested to submit a multi-year Restoration Improvement (RI) programme for 2019, 2020 and 2021. The Department recognises that factors, such as severe weather events, can require amendments during the course of any programme. Councils are, therefore,  asked to submit an updated programme at the start of each year via MapRoad and to advise the Department in writing of any proposals to change its RI programme during a year.