Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 April 2024
135. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there is a mechanism available to deal with a sight line issue during the construction of a major road project in Dundalk (details supplied), if it is under consideration by his Department; if his Department has been in contact with other Government departments in order to find a solution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13269/24]
View answerThe objective of the Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund (LIHAF) is to provide public off-site infrastructure to relieve critical infrastructure blockages which were frustrating the delivery of housing. This is enabling the accelerated delivery of housing on key development sites in Dublin and in urban areas of high demand. LIHAF was designed to specifically address the issue of housing supply, a crucial factor in terms of moderating house prices. Infrastructure being funded under LIHAF included access roads, distributor roads, link roads, road improvements, roundabouts, bridges and parks.
The Mount Avenue Link Road in Dundalk, Co. Louth is one of the approved LIHAF projects to receive grant funding. The tender for infrastructure works was approved by my Department in November 2022 and construction commenced in 2023.
The Local Authority has responsibility for carrying out the LIHAF infrastructure works, including design and construction of the scheme. In relation to the issues raised, I understand that Louth County Council has advised that vertical deflection speed measures are to be introduced in the vicinity of the Rise and the Paddocks Estates as a traffic calming measure. They have also advised that the Mount Avenue scheme will be subject to a Stage 3 Road Safety Audit, and any recommendations as a result will be implemented.
Under section 30 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), as Minister, I am specifically precluded from exercising power or control in relation to any particular case with which a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála is or may be concerned. Rather, my Department’s role in relation to local authorities is primarily to provide the policy, financial and legislative framework within which local authorities perform their functions. The day-to-day operation of the planning system, including planning applications, is a matter for the planning authorities.
