Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 April 2021
311. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Transport if the recently published Rural Development Policy 2021-2025 - Our Rural Future includes additional funding for regional and local road repairs in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18381/21]
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 recently published 'Our Rural Future - Rural Development Policy 2021-2025' makes reference to the commitment in the Programme for Government that 'essential road and public transport maintenance and upkeep budgets will be fully protected to ensure continued public safety and connectivity'.
As regards Exchequer support for the maintenance and renewal of the regional and local public roads network, including the network in Wexford, the regional and local road grant programmes operated by my Department are the primary source of funding. The National Development Plan (NDP), as it stands, provides for a gradual increase in funding for regional and local roads. While funding is not yet at the level needed for the adequate maintenance and renewal of regional and local roads there has been a significant increase in Exchequer funding particularly in the last four years. Funding is allocated to local authorities under the main grant programmes on the basis of the length of the network in each area with some allowance for traffic factors.
Local authorities were notified of the Department's regional and local road allocations for 2021 on 15th February this year. Wexford County Council has received a total allocation of €18,569,130 to date which is an increase of 29% when compared to 2019. Further allocations are proposed specifically for climate adaptation works on regional and local roads with a view to making the network more resilient. Applications have been received from local authorities, including Wexford County Council, and once assessed a further round of allocations will be made.
