Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 September 2022
98. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a list of the applications that are being considered by his Department relative to new roads infrastructure in counties Carlow and Kilkenny; the stage that each application is at in the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47219/22]
View answer99. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport the status of the Carlow southern relief road; the status of the completion of the orbital route around Carlow town linking the ERR to the N80, R448, Éire Óg Road and into County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47220/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 98 and 99 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 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 major cuts to funding for regional and local roads during the post 2008 recession resulted in the build-up of a substantial backlog of works across the country. The estimated cost of the backlog is in excess of €5 billion. Because of the pressures on the regional and local road network, approximately 90% of available Exchequer grant assistance to local authorities for regional and local roads is being directed to maintenance and renewal works rather than for new roads or for road realignments.
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 and my Department's Capital Appraisal Framework.
The revised Public Spending Code requires a Strategic Assessment Report (SAR) for all projects with an estimated expenditure of €10 million or more. The SAR is now a key deliverable at the first decision stage in the project appraisal process. Following the completion of a SAR by Carlow County Council concerning options in relation to a potential Southern Relief Road, the Council was given clearance in late 2021 to proceed to prepare a Preliminary Business Case.
As regards Kilkenny, a draft SAR has recently been received from Kilkenny County Council concerning options in relation to a proposed Kilkenny Northern Ring Road Extension. The SAR will be reviewed for compliance under the Public Spending Code.
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 planning, design and construction 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 regarding the National Roads Programme.
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.
