Robert Troy
Ceist:427. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount that has been allocated to the regional and local roads grants scheme for 2017 and 2018. [51013/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 29 November 2017
Ceisteanna (427, 439, 440)
Robert Troy
Ceist:439. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount allocated for the maintenance of local roads in 2017 and 2018. [51025/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraRobert Troy
Ceist:440. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount allocated for the maintenance of regional roads in 2017 and 2018. [51026/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 427, 439 and 440 together.
Each year the Department prepares and lodges in the Dáil Library regional and local road grant allocation and end of year payment booklets. Details of the regional and local road allocations for 2017 are, therefore, available in the Dáil Library. The total allocation for 2017 is €324.3 million.
The main grant schemes operated by the Department are focussed on specific policy objectives i.e. surface sealing to protect the road surface from water damage (Restoration Maintenance Grants), road strengthening based on pavement condition rating to lengthen the life of roads (Restoration Improvement Grants) and a Discretionary Grant Scheme which covers various activities including provision for winter maintenance. These three grant programmes account for most of the grant funding and are allocated based on the length of the road network in a particular local authority area. Local authorities can also apply each year for bridge rehabilitation grants based on condition ratings and for safety improvement schemes to address particular hazards.
In view of the fact that national roads and regional roads account for about 45% and 30% of overall road traffic respectively, the main requirement related to the Restoration Improvement and Maintenance Grants is that a minimum of 15% is expended on regional roads. Apart from that local authorities decide on allocations for regional and local roads.
As regards 2018, it is expected that the grant allocations will be announced in January.