Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 January 2017
1625. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will ensure a substantial increase in funding will be provided to Cavan and Monaghan county councils for the non-national roadworks programme for 2017 in view of the deterioration of this road network over the past few years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1948/17]
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.
The transport element of the Capital Plan is based on a gradual build up in capital funding for the road network from the current relatively low base towards the levels needed to support maintenance and improvement works. Funding will continue to be tight in 2017 with a modest increase in the budget. It is expected that funding will be stepped up in 2018 and 2019 and then a significant ramp up will follow from 2020. My Department has to work within the budgets included in the Capital Plan.
I expect to announce the 2017 regional and local road allocations in the coming weeks.
