Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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145. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he or officials in his Department have received a request from the Department of Rural and Community Development to contribute financially to the LIS scheme; if so, his response to the requests to date; if he will provide an up-to-date response on whether he will contribute to the scheme; if he will state what €30 million would represent as a percentage of his Department's overall capital budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51846/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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My understanding is no recent requests has been received from the Department of Rural and Community Development regarding financial contributions towards the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) programme.

The Local Government Act 2001 provides the statutory basis for the LIS, allowing funding to be provided to local authorities for the construction and improvement of non-public roads which meet certain criteria. It is important to highlight that the maintenance of non-public roads is the responsibility of the relevant landowners; local authorities only have statutory responsibility for the improvement and maintenance of public roads (in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993). Works on these public roads are funded from local authorities' own resources and are supplemented by State Road Grants.

My department has not provided dedicated funding towards the LIS programme since 2012. Between 2013 to 2017, local authorities were permitted discretion to use a proportion of their Discretionary Road Grant for the LIS programme if they chose to do so. In September 2017, the Minister for Rural and Community Development reintroduced a dedicated funding stream for the LIS. Considering the significant funding support being provided by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the need to direct limited resources into maintaining and renewing public roads, it was decided that Discretionary Grants would no longer support LIS programmes. This remains the position. Maintenance and improvement of public roads is essential to ensure a safe network with a high level of service and social/economic connectivity.

In relation to the Deputy’s query regarding my department’s capital budget, €30 million would represent c.1.14% of the overall capital budget in 2023. As the Deputy is aware this capital budget funds an array of projects across the country in the areas of active travel, public transport, roads, aviation, maritime, climate change etc.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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146. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the up-to-date position regarding the N70 Milltown relief road project; the up-to-date timeline for the completion of the project; what cycling and walking infrastructure is planned for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51847/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. 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 Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.

Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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147. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the up-to-date position regarding the upgrade of a bridge in Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51849/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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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 roads. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources and are supplemented by State Road grants. Of these grants, the vast majority (approximately 90%) are targeted at the maintenance and renewal of the network with c. 10% of the remaining funding invested in new roads/bridges or for road realignments.

Any new road projects that seek funding are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects proposed by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Public Spending Code and the Department's Transport Appraisal Framework. Given the limited funding available for regional and local road improvement works it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind.

In this regard, it is my understanding is that Kerry County Council are currently examining options for Listry Bridge, considering the needs and objectives, and deciding how best to progress to ensure value for money. My Department is committed to working closely with the Council.