Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 November 2021
131. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure an increase in the financial allocation to local authorities for the non-national road network in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53587/21]
View answer135. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure an increase in the financial allocations to Cavan County Council and Monaghan County Council for the 2022 non-national road works programme in view of the urgent need to upgrade a considerable part of this road network in both counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53588/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 131 and 135 together.
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 Councils' own resources supplemented by State road grants, where applicable.
The Budget 2022 allocation for regional and local roads is €607 million approximately - €46m Current and €561 Capital. This represents an increase of about 9% compared to 2021.
My objective will be to allocate funding to eligible local authorities on as equitable a basis as possible taking the length of the road network and traffic factors into account. The main focus of the grants will continue to be the protection and renewal of the regional and local road network.
Grant allocations for 2022 will be notified to local authorities early next year.
