Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 9 September 2024
287. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport the reason there is no funding available for the N70 road from Sneem to Blackwater Bridge (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35424/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 and management of individual national roads is a matter for TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. TII ultimately delivers the National Roads Programme in line with Project Ireland 2040, the National Planning Framework and the NDP.
In the new National Development Plan launched in October 2021, approximately €5.1 billion is earmarked for new national road projects to 2030. This funding will enable improved regional accessibility across the country as well as compact growth, which are key National Strategic Outcomes. The funding will provide for the development of numerous national road projects, including the completion of projects which are already at construction stage and those close to it, as well as the development of a number of others.
As the greater portion of this funding becomes available in the second half of the decade, this means that there is a constraint on the funding available for new projects this year – however many national road projects will continue to be progressed in 2024.
The N70 Blackwater Bridge to Sneem project did not receive an allocation in 2024, however, the delivery programme for this project will be kept under review for funding in future years and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII.
