Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 April 2024
160. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport if he will allocate Monaghan County Council the additional €5.9 million necessary to restore local roads to an acceptable level of condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17438/24]
View answerThe 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 Councils' own resources, which are supplemented by State grants for regional and local roads. As outlined in the 2024 Regional and Local Roads programme which I released on the 15th of February this year, the Government is strongly committed to protecting the existing regional and local road network. This network is fundamental in connecting people and places across the country. Ireland's regional and local road network spans over 96,000kms. The network requires significant funding to ensure it remains fit for purpose, safe and resilience. As such, €658 million was allocated to Regional and Local Road Grants in 2024, with approximately 90% of this funding being directed towards maintenance and renewal works. This represents an overall grant funding allocation increase of 5%. Under the 2024 grants allocations, Monaghan County Council was allocated over €17 million for the maintenance and improvement of their regional and local roads network; this represents an increase of nearly €835,000 compared to their 2023 allocation. This funding will support Monaghan County Council in carrying out an extensive 2024 programme of maintenance and restoration works. In addition, the funding is earmarked to support various climate adaptation projects, bridge rehabilitation schemes and vital safety improvement works. Under the National Development Plan, the Government prioritises carrying out targeted improvements to sections of the regional and local road network with €677 million earmarked over the 10-years until 2030. Road improvement projects can be proposed by local authorities for consideration for funding. All projects put forward must comply with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines and the Transport Appraisal Framework. Each project will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, keeping available resources in mind. My Department continues to work closely with all local authorities.
