Alan Dillon
Question:162. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Transport the status of road projects and improvements (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2684/22]
View answerThursday, 20 January 2022
Questions (162)
Written answers
As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and 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 improvement and upgrading 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 and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the current status of the N84 and N5/N26/N58 projects and improvements in your area.
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.
For regional and local roads, the primary focus of investment under the NDP is on the protection and renewal of the network. Funding under the NDP will allow the Department to continue to provide significant grant support to eligible local authorities, including Mayo County Council, for a range of protection and renewal programmes including road pavement resealing and strengthening works, bridge rehabilitation projects, climate adaptation and safety measures and drainage works together with community involvement schemes on less trafficked roads.
Targeted road improvement schemes will also be funded. In this context the Department has provided funding for the road re-alignment and bridge replacement scheme at Glenisland on the R312 which was completed recently.
As regards further projects on the R312, 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.
My Department has received a Specific Grant application from Mayo County Council for further works on the R312. This application is under consideration as part of the 2022 grant assessment process and allocations will be notified to local authorities shortly.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51