Road Projects Expenditure

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 April 2017

Tuesday, 4 April 2017

Ceisteanna (634, 635)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

634. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to a public consultation process which was to have involved the local community and businesses in Ardfinnan and surrounding villages in County Tipperary, prior to Tipperary County Council submitting an application under the bridge rehabilitation scheme for Ardfinnan bridge, with regard to plans to introduce a one-lane and traffic light system on the bridge as part of the rehabilitation works; if the consultation took place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16175/17]

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

635. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if it is in the remit of Tipperary County Council to reallocate the moneys to other projects in the county if the proposed works come under budget following the allocation of €800,000 toward bridge rehabilitation works on Ardfinnan bridge, County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16176/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 634 and 635 together.

As the Deputy is aware, the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads (including bridges) in Tipperary is the statutory responsibility of Tipperary County Council, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from the Council's own resources supplemented by State road grants.  The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the Council.

I understand that the Council is looking at the possibility of making provision for pedestrians on Ardfinnan Bridge and one option is to reduce traffic to a single lane, controlled by signals. Any public consultation into proposals for traffic management provisions on this bridge are a matter for the Council in conjunction with the local community.

In relation to Specific Grant road projects that are delivered below budget, any proposed transfer of allocations by a local authority is subject to approval by my Department.