Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 March 2022
186. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport the expected timeline to complete the N2 Clontibret to the border road scheme; the funds that have been allocated and expended to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14295/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra187. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport when it may next be considered to allocate funding to progress the N2 Clontibret to the border road scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14296/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 186 and 187 together.
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 planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals.
Approximately €600m of exchequer capital funds have been provided for national roads through TII to local authorities in 2022. The 2022 funding allocations are made having regard for the NDP, which balances investment in transport against other priorities of Government, such as housing and health over the lifetime of the Plan. It was necessary to prioritise projects for funding in a manner which seeks to achieve key outcomes in line with the NDP. Resulting from this, while a large majority of the projects under the NDP were issued a funding allocation in 2022, TII were unable to provide an allocation for the N2 Clontibret to the Border project. The delivery programme for this project will be kept under review for next year and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII.
In this context, TII is best placed to advise on the latest status of this proposed project. I have referred your question, on this occasion, to TII for a direct reply in this regard. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
