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Road Projects

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 October 2024

Tuesday, 1 October 2024

Questions (78)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

78. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware that Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has instructed all local authorities to withhold planned road improvement tenders unless they receive explicit approval from TII; if this is a recent change in policy; if so, the rationale for same; the number of planned projects announced by the Government that have yet to be issued for tender; if any tenders have been withdrawn; if he will provide an update on the Knockatemple pavement, Liscromwell to Knockanour (Turlough) pavement scheme, Ballina town pavement, and Claremorris town pavement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38542/24]

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Written 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 Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals.

Approximately €411m in capital exchequer funding was allocated to local authorities through TII for the purposes of national roads in 2024. This includes funding for new roads projects, as well as for the protection and renewal of the existing network, such as pavement renewal. The allocations announced by TII earlier this year are an indication of the progress that TII believes is possible on each national roads project during the year. However, if the progression of any national roads project, programme or operation is impeded or priorities change, the funding will be redistributed by TII, in accordance with its statutory remit, to other national roads or greenways projects, programmes, or operations.

Several new national road projects are facing funding pressures in 2024 due to reasons including an increased pace of delivery and land acquisition costs, as well as inflation and increased cost of materials which are higher than when the original estimates were calculated. These new national road projects include the N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge project, which is under construction, and the M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy and Limerick to Foynes (including Adare Bypass) projects which are approaching construction. A number of projects at an earlier stage in the development lifecycle are also affected. These important projects are in line with the commitment of Government to invest in new national road infrastructure to ensure that all parts of Ireland are connected to each other. They will also assist in removing traffic from our towns and villages, creating more liveable communities.

In order to ensure the continued delivery of these important projects, earlier this year TII proposed to postpone some asset renewal works on the existing network, including work to renew pavement, until 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter. In addition, some Greenways funding will be used to advance active travel infrastructure on the national road network, which would otherwise be funded from the roads budget. This will allow funding to be directed to new national road projects. It is important to point out that Safety Improvement Schemes will not be affected by these measures. No funding has been withdrawn by my Department from TII this year.

Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply regarding the works referred to. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
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