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.
Under the National Development Plan (NDP), the primary focus for capital investment in regional and local roads continues to be the protection and renewal of the network with some limited investment in road improvement projects.
Any road improvement projects proposed by local authorities for consideration for funding 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 my Department's Capital Appraisal Framework (CAF).
No application has been received by my Department from Kildare County Council in relation to the proposed second bridge in Newbridge. It is my understanding that Kildare County Council previously applied for funding for the proposed second bridge in Newbridge under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) administered by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.