Traffic Management

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 November 2022

Tuesday, 15 November 2022

Ceisteanna (298)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

298. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the extent to which the necessary funding is being provided through the local infrastructure housing activation fund, LIHAF, or otherwise in respect of infrastructural projects such as the alleviation of traffic for Naas, County Kildare; the full extent of the total amount of funding awarded; when the award was made; the progress to date in achieving the targets identified; the administrative or other work already completed or still awaiting completion; when it is likely that onsite works will begin given the absolute necessity for measures such as the eastern bypass route and other traffic alleviation matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56707/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund (LIHAF) is a scheme which funds the building of public infrastructure by local authorities. Its objective is to provide public off-site infrastructure to relieve critical infrastructure blockages to housing delivery. This enables the accelerated delivery of housing on key development sites in urban areas of high demand. LIHAF was designed to specifically address the issue of housing supply, a crucial factor in terms of moderating house prices. Infrastructure being funded under LIHAF includes access roads, distributor roads, link roads, road improvements, roundabouts, bridges and parks.

In 2017, grant agreements for 30 approved projects were signed between my Department and local authorities. To support the costs associated with its intended construction of a Naas Inner Relief Road, Kildare County Council was approved for exchequer grant funding of up to €4,500,000.

Kildare County Council has confirmed to the Department that a Part 8 planning application for this road was rejected by the Council in mid-2019 and has confirmed that this LIHAF project will not proceed.

My Department currently has no other funding allocated or project agreement in place with Kildare County Council to facilitate any housing-related road infrastructure in Naas. Overall responsibility for roads policy and funding is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Transport.