Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 June 2023
176. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if any discussions have taken place within his Department in respect of the future provision of an additional road bridge to the east of the rail viaduct in Drogheda to address the major congestion experienced in Drogheda both north and south of the River Boyne; if so, if he will provide the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31754/23]
View answerThe 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 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 Transport 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 Louth County Council regarding an additional road bridge in Drogheda.
