Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 March 2022
48. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has received an application from Galway County Council for funding for the inner relief road for Tuam, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12072/22]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads (RLR) 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. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
The primary focus for capital investment under the Regional and Local Road Grant Programme continues to be the protection and renewal of the regional and local road network with some limited investment in road improvement projects.
Any projects proposed by local authorities for consideration under the Specific or 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 my Department's Capital Appraisal Framework. Given the limited funding available for regional and local 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 not received an application from Galway County Council for funding for an inner relief road for Tuam.
