In 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.
A preliminary appraisal has been received from Kerry County Council concerning a number of options for Listry Bridge. The Department requested additional survey investigation to be undertaken to inform the options and to ensure all appropriate measures are considered to achieve maximum value for money in accordance with the Infrastructure Guidelines (formerly the Public Spending Code). Funding has been provided to assist with these studies and a revised submission was received at the end of 2020.
Details of the grant funding allocated and drawn down by Kerry County Council for the Listry Bridge scheme are outlined in the regional and local road allocations and payments booklets which are available in the Oireachtas Library. The drawdown of funds for a project in any particular year is a matter for the local authority.
It is my understanding is that Kerry County Council are currently examining options for Listry Bridge, considering the needs and objectives, and deciding how best to progress to ensure value for money.
All applications received from local authorities for Specific Grant allocations are currently being assessed taking into account competing projects and the available budget. Specific 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.
