Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:49 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government whether he has satisfied himself with the condition of our roads; and, if not, the proposals, if any, he has in this regard. [10488/98]
Written Answers. - Road Network.
The adequacy of road networks must be regularly assessed in terms of some or all of the standard criteria for this purpose, i.e. pavement condition, safety-geometric standards and capacity. Major national assessments of this kind have recently been carried out in the Non-National Road Pavement Condition Study (a copy of which is in the Oireachtas Library) and in the National Roads Needs Study (which will be published shortly). Both assessments make clear the need, which is being addressed, for a continued high level of investment in improving and maintaining national and non-national roads.
The Operational Programme for Transport provided for investment of over £1.2 billion in development of the national road network in the period 1994-99. Reflecting this, the 1998 Revised Estimates for Public Services provide for expenditure of over £263 million in 1998 on construction-improvement of national roads — an increase of more than 13 per cent on the 1997 figure and the highest ever such provision. In addition, a further £25 million is being provided for maintenance of national roads.
As regards non-national roads, it is a major priority to ensure that sufficient funding is provided to enable the restoration programme to be completed by 2005 — within the ten-year period originally proposed. The 1998 Estimates allocate a record amount of nearly £204 million for non-national roads, an increase of almost £26 million or 15 per cent on the 1997 outturn.
I am satisfied that the combination of up-to-date roads needs assessments and enhanced roads programmes is supporting the upgrading of our roads systems to meet present and future requirements.