Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 January 2022
42. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Transport the reason that Transport Infrastructure Ireland is reporting no capital funding allocated to road improvements to the N24 and N25 that have been approved in the capital development plan; the reason that no funding has been allocated to the upgrading of these roads; when funding will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3867/22]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Once funding arrangements have been put in place with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the improvement, upgrading and management of individual national roads is a matter for TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals.
Approximately €616m of exchequer capital funds have been provided for national roads through TII to local authorities in 2022. The 2022 funding allocations are made having regard for the NDP, which balances investment in transport against other priorities of Government, such as housing and health over the lifetime of the Plan. Resulting from this, funding was allocated to a number of schemes and maintenance works on the N24 and N25. In this context, TII is best placed to advise on the current status of funding for improvements to those roads.
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.
