Michael Healy-Rae
Question:166. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport to investigate a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51605/23]
View answerThursday, 23 November 2023
Questions (166)
Written answers
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local road network is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on these roads are funded from local authorities’ own resources and are supplemented by State road grants.
There are an estimated 75,000 bridges on the Regional and Local Road network and bridge rehabilitation work is consistently required to maintain and renew this infrastructure. For this reason, the Department has a specific Bridge Rehabilitation Grant Scheme; applications for funding under the Department's Bridge Rehabilitation Scheme are invited on an annual basis. Local authorities are made aware of the conditions of the scheme and are asked to submit applications in order of priority.
It is my understanding that Kerry County Council has submitted funding applications for18 bridges and Foildarrig Bridge is one of these applications. The Department will examine applications from all local authorities and Councils will be notified of their respective allocations early in the New Year.