Written Answers Nos. 21-40
21. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the deteriorating public bus services in County Meath; the level of bus cancellations; how he plans to improve these services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4448/24]
View answerI fully acknowledge that Bus Éireann has experienced significant service issues in Co. Meath over the last year, particularly in September and October in 2023, which must be incredibly frustrating for users. These issues were primarily caused by the non-availability of fleet, in addition to some issues with vehicle breakdowns and traffic congestion. The issues were further exasperated by the ongoing challenges the public transport sector is facing in the recruitment of both mechanics and drivers.
I understand from the NTA that there has been an improvement in the number of kilometres lost on the Meath bus services since mid to late October 2023, and that they are closely monitoring the service levels in Co. Meath.
Further, the NTA and Bus Éireann have initiated an action plan for 2024 to address the service issues in Meath. Bus Éireann are actively working with the NTA to monitor and review passenger numbers in the Meath area and to identify opportunities to increase capacity where possible, in light of these issues. The NTA has advised that they intend to work with Bus Eireann to revise timetables on Route 109 and 109A by adding resources on the route to reflect the increased journey times caused by traffic congestion on the M3 corridor. The opportunity to improve the level of service including re-routeing Route 109B via Drumree Road and extending the service to Kildalkey will be availed of during this exercise. The revised timetables providing improved punctuality and reliability of service delivery will be implemented by end January 2024.
The NTA is also working with Bus Éireann on providing additional morning and evening departures on the 103, and it is hoped these can be implemented in early 2024. However, there are no immediate plans to revise the level of service on Route 105.
It should also be noted that the performance of public transport operators is monitored by the NTA as part of the contractual arrangements in place between it and the operators. These contractual arrangements allow for not just the monitoring of performance and the publication of annual performance reports, but importantly, they also allow for the imposition of financial penalties where performance does not meet the required standard.
22. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update regarding the number of driving testers recruited in the past 12 months and for those testers on short-term contracts to be retained. [3929/24]
View answer76. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport what actions are being taken to address the long waiting times in many driving test centres. [3928/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 22 and 76 together.
As the Deputy may be aware, under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the RSA has statutory responsibility for the National Driving Test service. As the employer of driver testers, contractual terms are a matter for the RSA. However, I am informed that at the end of 2023 there were 177 testers employed by the Authority.
The service has been under significant pressure to meet unprecedented demand. Anticipating ongoing demand pressures and following a request for additional resources last year, my Department gave approval for the recruitment of up to 75 additional driver testers. This brings the current total number of sanctioned driver tester posts to 205, which is more than double the 100 sanctioned testing posts in June 2022.
The first tranche of new recruits were deployed last September and the national average waiting time for invitation to test has been decreasing since then. By the end of 2023 there was an increase of 41 driver testers across the driver testing service, with additional testing capacity deployed to the geographical areas with the longest waiting times and highest demand for tests.
Sanction remains in place for the Authority to increase the number of testers to further alleviate current pressures on the service. My Department is working closely with the Authority to monitor demand and capacity requirements of the driver testing service to ensure it meets the agreed service level of average wait times of 10 weeks, which the Authority expects to achieve by mid-2024.
23. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport to advise if Local Link buses have permission to collect passengers along routes rather than passengers having to drive to stops; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4468/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including TFI Local Link services and the rollout of services under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for TFI Local Link services, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
24. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the N17 Collooney to Knock scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4491/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you.
I can confirm that €400,000 has been allocated for the N17 Knock to Collooney scheme in 2023. As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for the project will be kept under review for 2024 and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII. The allocations for national roads for 2024 are expected to be announced very shortly.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
25. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which passenger capacity is being or can be improved on the north Kildare commuter lines such as Naas-Sallins, Hazelhatch, Kilcock, Maynooth, Leixlip and Confey; if park and ride facilities are likely to be provided or extended on these very busy routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4544/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, and for decisions in relation to these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
The issues raised by the Deputy in relation to capacity and park and ride facilities are a matter for the NTA. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to NTA for direct response. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
26. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure a substantial increase in funding for the non-national road network for counties Cavan and Monaghan for 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4616/24]
View answer44. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if funding for the non-national road network will be increased for 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4617/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 26 and 44 together.
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 local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for each local authority.
The 2024 regional and local road grant allocations will be finalised shortly and will take into account the expenditure outturn on projects and programmes in the preceding year. Within the budget available, the objective is to allocate funding to eligible local authorities on as equitable a basis as possible taking the length of the road network into account. The main focus of the grants will continue to be the protection and renewal of the regional and local road network.
27. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on any discussion within his Department in respect of the ongoing and urgent need to remove the Hebble Dredge from the River Boyne in Drogheda following its original sinking in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4441/24]
View answerThe ship in question is located in the Port of Drogheda. Ownership of this port company was transferred to Louth County Council in 2017 and oversight of the company rests with the county council. It is therefore advised that any queries regarding the projected dates of removal of the ship from the Port of Drogheda be directed to Louth County Council, or to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, as the parent Department for the county council.
28. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if local and on-demand bus services will be introduced in areas losing local connections as a result of BusConnects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4416/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
29. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport his view on Shannon Airport becoming a permanent member of the Regional Airports Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4613/24]
View answerThe Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025 supports Ireland’s smallest airports i.e., those that provide connectivity and handle fewer than one million annual passengers (on average over the two preceding financial years).
By virtue of its size and passenger numbers Shannon Airport was not eligible for funding under the Programme until 2022. At that time Shannon Airport became eligible due to supressed passenger numbers in 2020 and 2021, as a direct result of COVID-19, and continued to remain eligible under the Programme in 2023. However, given that passenger numbers at Shannon Airport reached almost 1.96m in 2022, the airport will not be eligible for funding under the Programme this year.
Over the period 2020-2023 Shannon Airport benefited from unprecedented aviation Exchequer supports totalling almost €47 million. €23 million was provided under the Programme with a further €24 million provided in COVID-19 related aviation Exchequer supports. This funding has facilitated the strong recovery of Shannon Airport, with 2023 being the best year for passenger numbers since 2009.
Pre COVID-19, it had been Government policy that State-owned airports, like Shannon, operate on a fully commercial basis with no recourse to Exchequer funding. That said, the Regional Airports Programme provides that a mid-term review be undertaken in 2023. As advised to the Deputy earlier this week, my Department carried out a public consultation process last year to inform the review and officials have submitted their assessment to me which I am now considering.
In relation to Shannon Airport’s permanent inclusion under the Programme, it would not be appropriate for me to share my views on this matter until I have fully considered the review along with the proposed actions set out therein.
I will be engaging with colleagues across Government in reaching a conclusion on the review.
30. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport when he intends to act on the motion passed by Dáil Éireann in October 2022 in favour of free public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4625/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
In 2022, the NTA commissioned a report with Ernst & Young Business Advisory Services which examined the impacts of free fares on public transport. That report concluded that to fund a fully free public transport system at the time, without accounting for the likely increased passenger demand, would have required an additional €540m in Exchequer funding per annum at a minimum, on top of the existing annual PSO subvention. Given the increase in costs in the intervening period, this figure has risen to closer to c. €786m for 2024.
The report also found that any increase in public transport demand due to free fares would largely be achieved by reductions in walking (7%) and cycling (13%), resulting in just a 1% reduction in car travel.
My Department’s funding for public transport services is therefore focussed on existing fare initiatives and service improvements such as BusConnects in the five cities, expanding town services in the larger towns, and rolling out Connecting Ireland in rural Ireland. These improvements are delivering real benefits for citizens across the country.
31. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport his plans for the future of rail transport in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4612/24]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, there are two important aspects to the issue of future rail in County Clare.
The first is the proposals set out in the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (LSMATS) which was published by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in December 2022. The LSMATS sets out an ambitious range of measures in relation to the future development of a Limerick Commuter Rail Network, extending to Ennis in County Clare, and the implementation of those measures over the lifetime of the Strategy which extends to 2040.
As part of LSMATS, Iarnród Éireann have appointed a consultant to undertake a feasibility study which will aim to identify and recommend infrastructure solutions to increase the capacity and resilience of the Limerick-Ennis rail line. The LSMATS also identified Ballysimon as a potential location for a new park and ride train station as part of plans to develop a commuter rail service in the Limerick area and to increase public transport usage.
The second aspect is the All-Island Strategic Rail Review, which is being undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. It will inform the development of the railway sector on the Island of Ireland over the coming decades, including the Limerick to Galway line in County Clare.
Work on the Review is now at an advanced stage and a draft was published for the purposes of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) public consultation in July 2023. An increase in service frequency to at least one train per two hours between Galway and Limerick, services between Cork and Galway via Limerick and more direct services between Galway and Limerick are short term recommendations included in the draft Report.
The public consultation phase of the SEA process concluded on 29th September and submissions are now under review by the Project Team and officials from both jurisdictions. Following the SEA process and finalisation of the report, it is expected that it will be submitted for the approval of the Minister for Transport and Government, as well as to the Minister for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. Should there continue to be an absence of Ministers in the NI Executive, approval will be considered taking into account the decision-making framework set out in the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc.) Act 2022 or relevant legislation in place at the time. It is currently expected that the final Review will be published by the Summer.
32. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he and his Department can ensure that any and all resources are provided to ensure that an appropriate site is found to recommence driver testing in Drogheda, which is the largest town in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4440/24]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service. This includes the locations and operation of driving test centres.
I have therefore referred the question to the Authority for reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
Pending this more detailed response, I am informed that the RSA are continuing to work with the Office of Public Works on finding a suitable test centre site for Drogheda but have been unsuccessful to date.
A commitment was given in 2022 to close the test centre in Marian Park in Drogheda by the end of February 2023 as the lease on the site had expired. This test site was always a temporary solution to delivering the driver testing service in Drogheda town, while the Authority searched for a more suitable location.
I am informed that there are some very real challenges to locating a suitable site, as any proposed location must be situated on a suitable test route and the Authority are continuing to investigate potential solutions.
33. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport if data exists in relation to the experience of and effectiveness of raised pedestrian crossings or junctions in built up areas on busy regional and national secondary roads such as the N86 in Annascaul, County Kerry or the R577 at Kishkeam, County Cork; if a funding stream will be provided to replicate these measures in other locations such as the N70 in Castlemaine village or the R561 in Boolteens village; the average cost for such interventions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4554/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
Regarding Regional and Local Roads, 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.
Each year funding is provided to each local authority under the Regional and Local Road Programme's Safety Improvement Scheme. 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.
Regional and Local Road grant allocations for 2024 will be notified to local authorities in the coming weeks.
34. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of plans to increase toll charges again in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4575/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Therefore, matters relating to the day to day operations regarding national roads, including toll roads are within the remit of TII. More specifically, the statutory power to levy tolls, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into agreements with private investors are vested in TII under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended). Moreover, the contracts for the privately-operated toll schemes are commercial agreements between TII and the Public Private Partnership (PPP) concessionaires concerned.
Toll charges are reviewed annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This will take place towards the end of this year, and it will only then be possible to indicate if toll charges will change in 2025. There is no basis for any further increase in tolls in 2024 and as such, there are no changes to tolls due to be implemented in July 2024.
35. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport the funding provided in budget 2024 to progress the N2 Ardee to Castleblayney road project; the projected completion date of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4532/24]
View answer50. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport the funding provided in budget 2024 to progress the N2 Clontibret to the Border road project; the projected completion date of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4531/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 35 and 50 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of these projects.
I can confirm that €600,000 was allocated for the N2 Ardee to Castleblayney scheme in 2023 in order to meet project commitments. The N2 Clontibret to the Border scheme was selected to receive EU Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) funding, and matching funding will be provided through TII. As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for these projects will be kept under review for 2024 and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII. The allocations for national roads for 2024 are expected to be announced in the near future.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
36. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport what action his Department is taking to progress the Mallow relief road project; what level of funding will be allocated for 2024, given that €100,000 was allocated in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4614/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
I can confirm that €100,000 has been allocated for the Mallow Relief Road scheme in 2023. As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for the project will be kept under review for 2024 and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII. The allocations for national roads for 2024 are expected to be announced in the near future.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
37. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport to report on the current situation with respect to proposals to develop transport projects in east Cork (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4452/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of these projects.
I can confirm that €800,000 was provided in 2023 for the N25 Midleton to Youghal scheme, which includes bypasses of the villages of Castlemartyr and Killeagh. There was no grant allocation for the N25 Carrigtwohill to Midleton scheme in 2023. As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for these projects will be kept under review for 2024 and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII. The allocations for national roads for 2024 are expected to be announced in the near future.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply updating you as to the status of this project. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
Regarding the upgrade of the R624 Cobh Road, 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.
Any new 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, Cork County Council submitted an initial project appraisal to the Department in 2019 regarding the upgrade of the R624 Cobh Road. The project, as submitted, includes upgrading the existing N25-R624 interchange, the provision of a dual carriageway from the interchange to Marino Point, widening of Slatty Bridge, the provision of a new bridge crossing to Great Island at Belvelly and upgrading the existing R624 from Marino Point to Cobh.
The estimated cost of this scheme was more than €100 million, with possible staged implementation.
In line with Government requirements Cork County Council also produced a Strategic Assessment Report (SAR) for the Great Island Connectivity Scheme and a draft was forwarded to the Department in November 2022.
Since then, both the Public Spending Code and the Department’s Transport Appraisal Framework (TAF) guidance have been updated - the Department continues to liaise with the Council regarding new requirements under the new infrastructure Guidelines and the TAF including the preparation of a Project Outline Document (POD) and business case incorporating the work already undertaken at the SAR stage.
38. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if the necessary electric locomotives will be provided when the Cork line is fully electrified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4558/24]
View answerAs the Deputy may know, the All-Island Strategic Rail Review, which is being undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland, will inform the development of rail on the Island of Ireland in the coming decades to 2050, in line with net carbon zero targets in both jurisdictions.
The Review has focused on how the rail network across the island could contribute to the decarbonisation of the island’s transport systems, promote sustainable connectivity into and between major cities, enhance regional accessibility, and support balanced regional development. It has also considered the interactions between proposed improvements and existing, or planned, commuter rail services.
Work on the Review is now at an advanced stage and a draft was published for the purposes of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) public consultation in July 2023. A key recommendation of the Review is to develop and begin implementing an All-Island Rail Decarbonisation Strategy. Electrification of intercity services, including the Dublin to Cork line, is included in the recommendations in the draft Review.
The public consultation phase of the SEA process concluded on 29th September and submissions are now under review by the Project Team and officials from both jurisdictions. Following the SEA process and finalisation of the report, it is expected that it will be submitted for the approval of the Minister for Transport and Government, as well as to the Minister for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. Should there continue to be an absence of Ministers in the NI Executive, approval will be considered taking into account the decision-making framework set out in the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc.) Act 2022 or relevant legislation in place at the time. It is currently expected that the final Review will be published by the Summer.
39. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the enormous number of bus cancellations on the NX and 109 bus services through Navan, County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4167/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, and for decisions in relation to the routes of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
The issue raised by the Deputy in relation to cancellations on the NX and 109 routes is service delivery issue and a matter for the NTA and Bus Éireann. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive replies within ten working days.
40. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the allocation of funding towards road projects (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4566/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
However in relation to the N25 Midleton to Youghal Scheme, I can confirm that in 2023, €800,000 was allocated to this scheme. As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for these projects will be kept under review for 2024 and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII. The allocations for national roads for 2024 are expected to be announced in the near future.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
Regarding the R624 Fota to Cobh Road, 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.
Any new 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, Cork County Council submitted an initial project appraisal to the Department in 2019 regarding the upgrade of the R624 Cobh Road. The project, as submitted, includes upgrading the existing N25-R624 interchange, the provision of a dual carriageway from the interchange to Marino Point, widening of Slatty Bridge, the provision of a new bridge crossing to Great Island at Belvelly and upgrading the existing R624 from Marino Point to Cobh.
The estimated cost of this scheme was more than €100 million, with possible staged implementation.
In line with Government requirements Cork County Council also produced a Strategic Assessment Report (SAR) for the Great Island Connectivity Scheme and a draft was forwarded to the Department in November 2022.
Since then, both the Public Spending Code and the Department’s Transport Appraisal Framework (TAF) guidance have been updated - the Department continues to liaise with the Council regarding new requirements under the new infrastructure Guidelines and the TAF including the preparation of a Project Outline Document (POD) and business case incorporating the work already undertaken at the SAR stage.
