Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 February 2015
190. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the specific purpose of the funding he has allocated towards a road project (details supplied) in County Cork in 2015; if he will confirm the funding his Department has thus far paid out in respect of the project; the estimated cost of constructing the road; when the construction of the road will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6281/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department gave a commitment in 2010 to contribute a maximum of €3.7 million of the estimated land acquisition costs of €7.4 million related to the proposed Carrigaline Western Relief Road or 50% of the cost, whichever is the lesser, and this commitment is being honoured.
To date €2.05 million has been paid to Cork County Council in respect of the Carrigaline Western Relief Road. An allocation of €1.65 million is being given this year which represents the balance of the outstanding commitment.
Due to the constrained budget available to my Department for roads, it has been necessary to curtail the Strategic Roads Grants Scheme for the moment. There is, therefore, no commitment in place to provide grant funding towards the cost of construction for this project.
It is important to reiterate that the role of Exchequer grants for regional and local roads is to supplement the resources of Councils. It is, therefore, open to Cork County Council to fund this project from its own resources.
