Weather Events

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2023

Tuesday, 7 November 2023

Questions (287)

Ged Nash

Question:

287. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport if Louth County Council has made a request to his Department to provide the local authority with financial assistance to undertake repairs to roads in the north Louth area as a result of recent serious flooding incidents; if so, what level of financial support his Department will provide to the council in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48767/23]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

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 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.

As the Deputy is aware, Storm Babet and Storm Ciarán have 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. The priority of the Department is the prompt restoration of the road network, which is required to maintain a safe environment and enable social/economic connectivity.

The extent and cost of full remedial works is still being determined and the Department is liaising with Louth County Council and other affected local authorities throughout this assessment process.