Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2023
233. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline the extra funding being made available to Cork County Council for the repair of local roads which have been devastated during Storm Babet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47776/23]
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 the Councils’ own resources and supplemented by State Road grants. The Department emphasises to local authorities each year the importance of setting aside a contingency fund to manage events such as severe flooding. There is also good flexibility within the annual grants programme to allow local authorities reprioritise funding following such incidences as severe weather events.
However, Storm Babet has caused significant damage to the regional and local road network and it will take time to assess the full extent of the impact on the road network. In addition, noting the extent of damage and associated potential costs that has occurred towards the end of the annual work programme, the Department is aware that most funds in this financial year are expended or committed and any level of reprioritisation is limited.
Local authorities are presently providing initial damage assessments and estimated repair costs for some of the worst effected locations. Prompt restoration of the road network is required to maintain a safe environment and enable social/economic connectivity; therefore, a small amount of emergency funding is being made available to facilitate the opening of some key roads. This funding is being made available from within the 2023 Regional and Local Roads Grant allocation, and as such, the fund is limited and can only support immediate emergency repairs.
I am committed to working closely with affected local authorities to assist in addressing the issues caused by these storm events and to help restore our road network.
