Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 January 2024
183. Deputy Ciarán Cannon asked the Minister for Transport to explain the significant delay in completing the Athenry Ring Road; to give an accurate timeline for completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2785/24]
View answerIn accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993, each local authority has statutory responsibility for the improvement and maintenance of their regional and local roads. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources and are supplemented by State Road grants. Of these grants, the vast majority (approximately 90%) are targeted at the maintenance and renewal of the network with c. 10% of the remaining funding invested in new roads/bridges or for road realignments. Any road projects that seek State funding are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects proposed by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines (formerly the Public Spending Code) and the 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. In this regard, it is my understanding that Galway County Council are currently proceeding through detailed design phase and the CPO statutory process in relation to the Athenry Ring Road scheme. All applications received from local authorities for Strategic Grant allocations are currently being assessed taking into account competing projects and the available budget. Strategic Grant allocations for 2024 will be notified to local authorities as part of the general grant allocation process which will be issued in the coming weeks.
