Matt Carthy
Ceist:175. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport his proposals to ensure adequate upkeep of local and regional roads in 2024. [13643/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 9 April 2024
Ceisteanna (175)
Freagraí scríofa
In accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993, each local authority has statutory responsibility for the improvement and maintenance of their regional and local road network. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources and are supplemented by State Road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority.
The primary focus for capital investment under the National Development Plan continues to be the protection and renewal of the regional and local road network which plays a critical role in supporting economic and community links throughout the country. For this reason, approximately 90% of the €658 million of State funding being provided in 2024 is aimed at protection and renewal works. This allocation represents a €32 million increase in State funding compared to the 2023 allocation, with each local authority receiving an increase in funding for their Restoration Improvement Grant. Funding is also being provided for bridge rehabilitation projects, climate adaptation and safety measures, drainage works together with community involvement schemes on less trafficked roads.
In addition to protecting and renewing the regional and local road network, it is a priority to carry out targeted improvements to sections of the network and €70 million has been allocated this year for such improvements on new regional and local roads. 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 Infrastructure Guidelines (IG) (formerly known as the Public Spending Code) and my Department’s Transport Appraisal Framework (TAF).