Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 May 2013
707. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will help ensure continued aid for a project (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25155/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 local authorities own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
I announced the 2013 regional and local road grant allocations on 25th January this year. A total of €350 million is being provided under the Regional and Local Roads Investment Programme this year. From that allocation, Kerry County Council is being provided with an allocation of approximately €14.2 million. As the Council is aware, the Specific Improvement Grants Scheme is being discontinued from 2014 onward in order to maximise the funding available for repair and strengthening work. Some limited funding will be provided under this grant in 2014 for on-going projects which the Department is already committed to. I will announce the 2014 regional and local road grant allocations early next year.
It is also important to reiterate that the role of Exchequer grants for regional and local roads is to supplement Councils like Kerry County Council in their own resources spending in this area. It is open to the Council to fund this project from its own resources.
