Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Question:23. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the southern relief road in Carlow. [52621/23]
View answerThursday, 30 November 2023
Questions (23)
Written answers
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 these 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.
Approximately 90% of available Exchequer grant assistance to local authorities for regional and local roads is directed to maintenance and renewal works rather than for new roads or for road realignments.
Any new road projects proposed by local authorities are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All new projects 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.
Having regard to the above, Carlow County Council have prepared a Strategic Assessment Report which examined options in relation to a potential Southern Relief Road. Following consideration of this Report, the Council was given clearance to proceed to prepare a Preliminary Business Case. I am given to understand that the Council is in the process of progressing this Preliminary Business Case now.