Road Network

Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023

Monday, 11 September 2023

Ceisteanna (412)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

412. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport his views on the commitment in the Programme for Government to maintain the existing road network to a high standard and fund safety improvements; if he will ensure that much needed additional funding will be provided, without further delay, for the non-national road network this year taking into account the urgent requirement for additional investment due to the very substantial increase in costs that have arisen over the past two years in road maintenance products and construction work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39298/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

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. 

Within the budget available for regional and local roads, the primary focus of investment is on the protection and renewal of the regional and local road network.  The total allocated at the start of this year for regional and local roads was €626 million compared to €607 million in 2022.

In recognition of the fact that cost inflation is having a significant impact on the cost of delivering regional and local road annual programmes, local authorities were notified on 3rd July of a supplementary allocation of €22.5 million for their key road strengthening programmes.