I propose to take Questions Nos. 609 and 612 together.
As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects, such as the N72 is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for the NRA in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy’s question regarding the N72 to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don’t receive a reply within 10 working days.
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads (such as the R570) is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in this case Kerry County Council 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 selection and prioritisation of works to be funded under the Council's maintenance and rehabilitation works programme is a matter for the local authority and is decided at local level.