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Road Projects

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 November 2021

Thursday, 11 November 2021

Ceisteanna (222)

John McGuinness

Ceist:

222. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport the list of applications being considered by his Department relative to new roads infrastructure in County Kilkenny; the stage each application is at in the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55275/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The 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 extent of the cutbacks in grant funding during the post 2008 recession meant that grant funding for road improvement schemes had to be curtailed because expenditure on protection/renewal was falling well short of what was required to adequately maintain the regional and local road network.

Funding is not yet at the level needed for the adequate protection and renewal of regional and local roads and so for this reason, the primary focus for capital investment continues to be the protection and renewal of the network with some limited investment in road improvement projects.

Any road improvement projects proposed by local authorities for consideration for funding are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects put forward by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Public Spending Code (PSC) and my Department's Capital Appraisal Framework (CAF).

There has been some engagement between Kilkenny County Council and my Department in relation to a proposed Kilkenny Northern Ring Road Extension. The Department has advised the Council of the Public Spending Code project appraisal requirements for any proposed transport scheme in March this year, including the need for the preparation of a Strategic Assessment Report.

There has not been any further contact from the Council regarding this proposed scheme.

Regarding national roads, as Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Once funding arrangements have been put in place with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation, management and upgrading of individual national roads is a matter for TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the requirements of the Public Spending Code and necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you regarding national roads.

Noting the above position, I have referred your question, in respect of any applications for national road projects, to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
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