Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 April 2018
305. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department has received a request from Kildare County Council for extra funding to repair the damage to roads in the county following the recent inclement weather; when he expects to be in a position to respond; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17154/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra309. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has received correspondence from Kildare County Council outlining the extent of damage to local and regional roads in County Kildare as a result of severe weather conditions; if the precise costs have been determined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17206/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 305 and 309 together.
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of local authorities, 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 local authority.
I announced the 2018 regional and local road allocations on 29th January and all grant funding available to my Department has now been allocated. To date I have not received any correspondence from Kildare County Council relating to damage on regional and local roads arising from recent severe weather. It is for each Council to determine its priorities and decide its work programme taking available grant funding and its own resources into account. At present, there is no additional funding available to my Department.
