Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 February 2024
167. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport how much funding was allocated to Bóthar Dhoirefhearta, Carraroe, County Galway, in 2021, 2022 and 2023; if any funding allocated was unused; if so, what happened to this unused funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7115/24]
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. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority.
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.
As regards the funding provided to Galway County Council for Bóthar Dhoirefhearta, Carraroe, funds were only allocated by my Department in 2022 to the amount of €300k and this allocation amount was fully expended on the Bóthar Dhoirefhearta, Carraroe scheme. All allocation details of the regional and local road grant allocations, and payments to local authorities are outlined in the regional and local road allocations and payments booklets which are available in the Oireachtas Library.
