I propose to take Questions Nos. 768 and 776 together.
I have no function in relation to the matters raised in the Question. My Department does not provide specific funding to local authorities for implementing measures proposed in Noise Action Plans.
Local authorities are entirely independent corporate entities, having full responsibility under law for the performance of their functions and the discharge of their governance and other responsibilities. Budgetary provisions in relation to the implementation of noise mitigation measures as outlined in the Question, are matters for each local authority.
My colleague, the Minister for Transport, has responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the planning, design and operation of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in conjunction with the relevant local authorities. This would include arrangements concerning noise mitigating measures.
Local authorities provide in excess of 1,000 services on behalf of over 30 public bodies. The provision of Exchequer funding is made on the basis of policy responsibility at national level; the locus of responsibility at national level is determined by where the policy responsibility lies, not by the fact that the services are delivered by local authorities.
