Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 July 2014
799. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide funding for the improvement of a bridge at a location (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31573/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads (such as the R563) 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.
In January this year I announced that a total of €331.9 million is being provided to local authorities for the maintenance and improvement of regional and local roads in 2014. Kerry County Council was allocated €12.7m for regional and local road schemes, of which €202,215 was allocated for bridge rehabilitation works.
I have given local authorities significantly increased flexibility this year. I have reduced the number of grant categories, increased the amount allocated under the Discretionary grant heading and will facilitate the transfer of funds between key grant categories where local authorities need this.
Ultimately however, the selection and prioritisation of works to be undertaken on bridges or for other works, is a matter for the local authority, taking into account available grant funding. It is important to reiterate that the role of the Exchequer grant aid is to supplement Councils' own resource spending on regional and local roads.
