Road Projects

Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023

Monday, 11 September 2023

Questions (319)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

319. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will respond regarding the actions that he and his Department have taken to date to offset the devastating impact the closure of the Obelisk Bridge will have on local persons and businesses in Drogheda (details supplied), notwithstanding that the project responsibilities lie with Louth and Meath County Councils; if he will take a lead role to find a solution to a situation that will essentially cause further congestion to an already congested town and impose significant additional costs to people at a time of a cost of living crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38213/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

In relation to national roads , as Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy while the planning, design and implementation of individual road projects on national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the relevant local authority.

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.

My Department has provided funding to Louth County Council for essential rehabilitation works of the Obelisk Bridge in Drogheda. Implementation of the project and the associated traffic management measures are the responsibility of the Council.