Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 October 2021
201. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport the status of an application for roads funding for the final element of a project (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48930/21]
View answerThe 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, where applicable. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
My Department provided grant funding of €3.9 million to Kerry County Council under the Specific Improvement Grant Programme for the completion of the Dingle Relief Road. As regards further works, any projects proposed by local authorities for consideration under the Specific/Strategic Grant Programmes 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 and the Department's Capital Appraisal Framework (CAF). Given the limited funding available for road improvement works it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind. Any projects put forward for consideration are assessed taking competing projects and available budgets into account.
My Department has not received any further application from Kerry County Council for additional specific improvements works (Phase 5 works) on the Dingle Relief Road.
My Department is currently funding other Specific Improvement schemes in County Kerry including the R556 Dale Road, Tralee to Fenit realignment, Clash Cross to Ballymullen as well as the Strategic Tralee Northern Relief Road project.
