Thomas Gould
Question:101. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of issues with the bus service in Cork city; and whether he has engaged with the NTA or Bus Éireann in resolving these. [13239/24]
View answerBus Services
Questions (101)
Written answers
As 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 this case Bus Éireann.
I am aware that there have been issues with some bus services in Cork City in recent months, and the negative impact that these issues are having on the travelling public.
I understand that Bus Éireann are working with the NTA to identify measures that can be taken to improve service provision in the city. The introduction of the MacCurtain Street public transport improvement scheme on the 26th of November 2023, and subsequent timetable refreshes represent a significant investment into Cork City. However, I recognise that there is still work to be done to build on these incremental changes. In particular, service reliability and punctuality enhancements for Routes 220, 225 and 226 are being reviewed by the NTA and Bus Éireann with a view towards additional timetable refreshes in the first half of 2024.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Road Projects
Questions (102)
Brendan Griffin
Question:102. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the N22 Farranfore to Killarney road improvement project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13276/24]
View answerWritten answers
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 this project.
The N22 Farranfore to Killarney road improvement project did not receive an allocation in 2024. As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for the N22 project will be kept under review for 2025 and in future years and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII.
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.
Bus Services
Questions (103)
Violet-Anne Wynne
Question:103. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport if he will roll out a direct non-stop bus route between Ennis train and Bus station and Shannon Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13285/24]
View answerWritten answers
As 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 public transport services in Co. Clare, 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.
Road Projects
Questions (104, 120)
Alan Dillon
Question:104. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Transport the way he is prioritising road projects in north Mayo, particularly the new N58 and N26 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13135/24]
View answerAlan Dillon
Question:120. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Transport given the regional importance of the new N58 road, which is expected to connect Ballina to Castlebar and provide onward connectivity to Galway, the status of the progress to improve this section of road considering that approximately 60% of traffic from Ballina goes to Castlebar; the way he plans to address this demand and ensure efficient traffic flow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13134/24]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 104 and 120 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 this project.
I can confirm that €100,000 has been allocated for the N58 Foxford Transport Project scheme in 2024. As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for the project will be kept under review for 2025 and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII.
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.
Public Transport
Questions (105)
James Lawless
Question:105. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport if the Dart South West scheme can be expanded to include Sallins station, particularly given that very significant numbers of passengers, as evidenced in recent surveys, is at that station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8010/24]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy may be aware, as Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport in Ireland, including in relation to the rail network. The National Transport Authority, or NTA, has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the DART+ programme.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific issues raised by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
Bus Services
Questions (106)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:106. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport is he aware of problems associated with the roll-out of the BusConnects programme which has resulted in a disconnect between the service now offered and that which bus passengers used in the past in the Crumlin area of Dublin; and if he is further aware of the need for a quicker engagement with communities affected to make logical adjustments to routes to cater for those affected. [13271/24]
View answerWritten answers
As 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.
I am aware that there have been some issues with roll-out of the BusConnects programme, which were exasperated by the ongoing challenges the public transport sector is facing in the recruitment of both mechanics and drivers. However, I am advised by the operators that due to the extensive driver recruitment campaigns undertaken by the operators, this is becoming less of an issue.
I also want to assure the Deputy that the NTA is working closely with operators to address any service or connectivity issues arising from the roll-out of BusConnects. I understand that the NTA undertakes extensive public engagement prior to the introduction of any service changes.
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
Road Network
Questions (107)
Mairéad Farrell
Question:107. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport if he will be focusing his Department's attention on the infrastructural deficit with the maintenance of roads in Connemara; if he will allocate resources to address the persistent flooding at Cuan na Loinge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13235/24]
View answerWritten answers
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. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority.On 15th February I announced an Exchequer investment of €658 million in our regional and local roads across the State which represents an increase of €32 million over the 2023 allocations, with each local authority receiving an increase in funding for their Restoration Improvement Grant. Of this, Galway County Council received an allocation of €39,926,300, an increase of €597,037 over their 2023 allocation.
Within the budget available for the regional and local road grant programme, 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 allocation of funding across specific roads or areas is a matter for each local authority, having regard to the funding available to it from local and central sources as well as its particular priorities.
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 the 2024 Regional and Local Roads grants allocations, Galway County Council received an allocation of €30,000 under the Specific Improvement Grants Programme for the L52214 Cuan na Loinge.
Rail Network
Questions (108)
Robert Troy
Question:108. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the delivery of the transport study for east Westmeath and its inclusion of the reopening of the Killucan railway station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13268/24]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network and stations on the network, including the former station at Killucan, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
In 2023, my Department made funding available to Iarnoód Éireann to allow it undertake a ‘Killucan-Rathwire and Kinnegad Area Transport Environs Study’. As well as looking at the former station at Killucan, the wider geographic scope of the environs study will help ensure the optimal location for any future potential station is identified with respect to population, transport demand and proximity to the existing network.
This Study will provide the necessary analysis to determine the viability of a future station in the area if such a station is deemed appropriate by the Study. Ultimately if the opening of a new station in the area is to be progressed then it will be necessary for Westmeath County Council to develop the business case in line with the requirements set out in the Infrastructure Guidelines. I understand that the Council has been informed of this position; however, this Study is an important first step and it is appropriate that it be funded by my Department.
Noting Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter and the specific issues raised by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the Iarnoód Éireann for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
Public Transport
Questions (109)
Bernard Durkan
Question:109. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure in the course of the provision of the extension of the Luas to Confey, Leixlip, Maynooth and Kilcock that the disruption to local populations in each of the towns and surrounding areas is minimised both in the course of construction and thereafter arising from its design and operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13231/24]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy is aware, as Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport in Ireland, including in relation to the rail network. The National Transport Authority, or NTA, has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the DART+ programme.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific issues raised by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
Electric Vehicles
Questions (110)
Colm Burke
Question:110. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport his views on the provision of mobility hubs nationally under the new Electric Vehicles Charging Infrastructure Strategy 2022 – 2025, in particular details of the launch of pilot hubs in two cities and a major town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10955/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Climate Action Plans 2023 and 2024 (CAP23 and CAP24) and the National Sustainable Mobility Policy (SMP) include several actions to expand the availability of shared mobility options in Ireland, including through the development of mobility hubs.
As the Deputy refers, it is intended to pilot a number of shared mobility hub networks within several locations. International evidence suggests that ease of accessibility, with options to travel between hub locations and to and from public transport interchanges, is key to reducing reliance on cars for many journeys, particularly for shorter distances. However, before these pilots are rolled out, it is important to get a better understanding of what is needed - from users and from industry.
To that end, my Department has recently launched a public consultation seeking the views of key stakeholders and members of the public on issues related to shared mobility, and particularly the development of shared mobility hubs. An Issues Paper has been published as part of this consultation. It outlines the rationale for the development of shared mobility and mobility hubs in the context of Ireland’s emissions reduction targets, as well as setting out some of the key issues to be explored and addressed within an Irish context. These include considerations around governance, operations, data, communications, accessibility, safety and inclusion.
This consultation, which will inform the future development of an operating model for mobility hubs, including the design of the pilots, will run until 3 May. For this reason, I would urge all interested parties to participate in this very important process.
Electric Vehicles
Questions (111, 160)
Niamh Smyth
Question:111. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport for an update from his Department on the roll-out of electric car chargers nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10961/24]
View answerRobert Troy
Question:160. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the action he is taking to support the roll-out of the EV charging network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11123/24]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 111 and 160 together.
The Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle (EV) charging network over the coming years. Having an effective and reliable charging network is an essential part of enabling drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles.
Home charging is the primary charging method for most Irish EV owners as it’s convenient and cheaper for the consumer as well as assisting in the overall management of the national grid. Over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home.
However, there is also a need for a seamless public charging network that will provide for situations or instances where home charging is not possible, such as on-street and residential charging, destination charging and workplace charging.
Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI), a dedicated Office which oversees and accelerates Ireland’s transition to zero emission vehicles, has significant funding available in 2024 for the installation of EV charging across Ireland.
In January 2023, I launched the national Strategy for the development of EV charging infrastructure, covering the crucial period out to 2025, alongside an Implementation Plan. The strategy sets out the government’s ambition regarding the delivery of a public EV charging network to support up to 195,000 electric cars and vans by the middle of the decade.
A range of new charging infrastructure schemes are being developed which will help provide another critical link in the overall network for public charging. In addition to a general Destination Charging scheme, a number of bespoke schemes are also in advanced stages of development and delivery, including:
A shared Island funded Sports Club scheme, which will install up to 200 fast chargers
An EU Just transition Fund supported scheme, which is planned to install 60-80 chargers
These new sites, in addition to those under other destination schemes currently planned will be delivered in 2024 and 2025.
In June 2023, the draft Universal Design Guidelines for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure was published for public consultation. The document summarises key considerations when designing, installing, and operating electric vehicle charging stations. These include:
the design of the charging station;
the accessibility of the site;
.. the information and communications to inform users before, during, and after a charging session.
I launched The National En-Route EV Charging Network Plan in September 2023. This is the first element of the National EV Charging Network Plan which, will cover all publicly accessible EV charging in the country.
The National En-Route EV Charging Network Plan and associated initiatives will drive the delivery of charging infrastructure on the National Road Network. The Plan sets out ambitious targets for the level and coverage needed for En-Route charging on our national roads network. We are already seeing significant increased capacity of EV charging on our national roads, and this plan provides additional reassurance and certainty for EV drivers and those thinking of making the switch to EVs that they will be able to find high powered, fast and convenient EV charge-points where and when they need them.
The Plan sets out a provision of EV charging that will be ahead of demand and meet European requirements for charging electric cars, LGVs and HGVs by 2025 and 2030. The implementation of this Plan through enhanced grid connections, funding interventions and enabling measures will remove barriers and accelerate the delivery of high-powered EV charging.
A new funding scheme to accelerate charging provision on the motorway network was launched by TII last month. The Plan can be found at www.tii.ie/roads-tolling/tolling-information/zevi-ev-charging-infrastr-LDV/.
Looking ahead, the final draft of the Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan will be published for consultation shortly. This will include modelling AFIR targets for 2025 and 2030 on a county-by-county level.
Additionally, ZEVI has been engaging extensively with Local Authorities to develop their EV Infrastructure Strategies for Destination and Residential neighbourhood chargers. Local Authorities as part of their strategy development and implementation planning will identify locations and optimum sites where these types of chargers are required. ZEVI is currently engaging with Local Authorities and looking at potential direct multi annual funding options for Local Authorities to install both Destination and Local neighbourhood Charging Projects. It is anticipated that Phase 1 projects will commence roll out this year.
Bus Services
Questions (112)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Question:112. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport if a review of the Carlow town bus was undertaken; and, if so, when the review will be published. [13095/24]
View answerWritten answers
As 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 the rollout and any reviews of the Carlow Town service.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for public transport services in County Carlow, 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.
Road Projects
Questions (113)
Pa Daly
Question:113. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will carry out works to improve the junction of the N72 at Brack Hill, County Kerry. [7162/24]
View answerWritten answers
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 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.
Rail Network
Questions (114)
Alan Farrell
Question:114. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the acquisition of battery and battery electric trains for Irish Rail; the likely delivery date for the first tranche of this order; the number within this tranche; the phases of delivery for later tranches and their operational date range; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13061/24]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy may be aware, as Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport in Ireland, including in relation to the rail network. The National Transport Authority, or NTA, has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the DART+ fleet project.
In addition, I secured Cabinet approval this month which will allow for the procurement process for the replacement of the Enterprise train carriages to progress, such that new train carriages can enter service from 2029 on the Dublin to Belfast intercity line. These new trains are expected to involve the use of battery and overhead electric line power on initial operation (as well as diesel or an alternative), and they will provide for faster services and increased frequency on the Dublin to Belfast route.
Noting the NTA's responsibility on the DART+ fleet and the specific issues raised by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
Driver Licences
Questions (115)
Martin Kenny
Question:115. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the status of his plans to tackle the practice of learner drivers continuing to drive on learner licences for a number of years by repeatedly renewing their learners licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13233/24]
View answerWritten answers
The issue of multiple successive learner permits is a road safety priority for me, and my Department is committed to addressing it. However, it requires three parallel approaches to be successful:
· Changing the permit renewal system to prevent unlimited renewals.
· Increasing driver testing capacity for timely access to practical tests.
· Reviewing driver training and the training curriculum, to better prepare candidates for the driving test.
Preparatory work has begun. Under Action 27 of the Road Safety Strategy, my officials have agreed an approach with the Road Safety Authority (RSA) to addressing learner permit renewal, while the RSA is increasing testing capacity and I understand that driver training is under review.
My Department has begun assessment of the legislative requirements and an internal RSA working group is scoping the technological and administrative changes and resources required.
It is expected that implementation of this proposal will proceed when the driver testing backlog is resolved and it will include lead in time for people who will be affected to make arrangements to comply with the new requirements.
Airport Policy
Questions (116)
David Cullinane
Question:116. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport to provide the latest update on the Government’s response to the business plan received from Waterford Airport for the development and re-establishment of commercial passenger flight business into Waterford and the south east; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13120/24]
View answerWritten answers
In June 2019, the Government at that time gave an approval in principle of an expression of support for an expansion proposal at Waterford Airport and to providing Exchequer funding of €5 million towards a runway extension project. Government support was not only contingent on local authority and private investment necessary to complete the project being committed and any risks relating to cost escalation being borne by the non-State investors, but also on full details of the project being provided to my Department for appraisal.
This detail remained outstanding from Waterford Airport until 13 December 2023. Furthermore, the detail provided shows that the project costs have increased substantially above the original estimated cost of €12 million, deviating significantly from the original Government Decision in 2019.
While I recognise that an early and positive decision is being sought by the airport in relation to its proposal, the necessary appraisal of the detail submitted, to ensure that due diligence is exercised in accordance with my Department’s Transport Appraisal Framework and the Public Spending Code/Infrastructure Guidelines, is essential.
I wish to assure the Deputy that my officials have prioritised this appraisal and an initial assessment of the detail submitted by the airport was completed in mid-February. As would be expected under any appraisal process, a number of clarification requests and questions seeking further detail have been raised by my Department. My officials have engaged with the airport on these matters, and I understand that airport management anticipate that they will be in a position to provide the necessary detail and clarifications this month.
I will consider my Department's initial assessment of this proposal when this engagement with the airport is complete.
Road Network
Questions (117)
Richard O'Donoghue
Question:117. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Transport why there was a decreased allocation for the maintenance of roads across the country in the Budget. [11431/24]
View answerWritten answers
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 operation and maintenance 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.
A major priority in the National Development Plan, in line with the Department’s investment hierarchy, is to maintain the quality and safety of the existing National Road network. The NDP foresees an exchequer allocation of circa €2.9 billion in capital exchequer funding for the Protection and Renewal of existing National Roads over the 10-year period to 2030. In addition, current Protection and Renewal funding is provided to local authorities each year for the regular maintenance of the National Road network in their respective areas, which includes lighting and winter safety measures.
While the 2024 allocation for current Protection and Renewal works on National Roads was reduced from €34.85 million to €32.85 million, it is important to point out that there was an increase of funding for Capital Protection and Renewal from €254 million to €265.16 million. This provides for measures which include minor improvements, pavement upgrades and safety interventions at dangerous junctions on the existing network.
In relation to 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.
On 15th February I announced an Exchequer investment of €658 million in our regional and local roads across the State which represents an increase of €32 million over the 2023 allocations, with each local authority receiving an increase in funding for their Restoration Improvement grant.
Road Projects
Questions (118)
James O'Connor
Question:118. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13284/24]
View answerWritten answers
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 €450,000 was provided for the N25 Midleton to Youghal scheme in 2024. As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for this project will be kept under review for future years and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII.
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 R624 Cobh Road, 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. Cork County Council has indicated that the submission of the POD to the Department is imminent. Subject to the submission of the POD, the next steps for the Council will be to commence the work on the Preliminary Business Case. On 15th February, the 2024 Regional and Local Roads Grants were announced with an allocation of €150,000 made available to Cork County Council as part of the to assist in the development of the Preliminary Business Case.
Road Projects
Questions (119)
Pa Daly
Question:119. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide funding to Transport Infrastructure Ireland for a by-pass for Killorglin, which has been part of the County Development plan since 2015. [7161/24]
View answerWritten answers
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.
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.
Question No. 120 answered with Question No. 104.