Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The proposed Thurles inner relief road is a regional and local road project, while the proposed Thurles bypass is a national road scheme. In relation to an inner relief road for Thurles, which I understand would include a second bridge crossing over the Suir, the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority and works on those roads are funded from the local authority's own resources supplemented by State road grants. The selection and prioritisation of works within its area of responsibility is a matter for the local authority.

Before the financial crisis, local authorities could apply on a regular basis for specific and strategic road improvement grants for the strengthening, widening or realignment of regional and local roads, including bridges. However, the extent of the cutbacks in grant funding during the crisis meant these grant schemes had to be curtailed after 2013 because expenditure on maintenance and renewal was falling so far short of what was required to maintain the regional and local road network. The current capital plan does provide for the gradual build up in funding for the road network, but it will take some years yet to reach the level required for the adequate maintenance and renewal of the network. For this reason there continues to be limited scope for funding projects under the specific and strategic grant programmes. Any projects proposed by local authorities for consideration under these grant programmes are assessed by my Department on a case by case basis. All projects put forward by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the public spending code and the Department’s capital appraisal framework.

The Department has revised the specific and strategic grant appraisal forms and associated guidance documents. A circular on this updated appraisal process issued to all local authorities on 19 April this year. Appraisals received from local authorities relating to road improvements under the regional and local road grant programmes will be evaluated vis-à-visprojects submitted by other local authorities. It is, of course, open to local authorities to advance schemes from their own resources and I understand that Tipperary County Council has been progressing some elements of the proposed inner relief road scheme in that way.

As regards a Thurles bypass, as Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual national road projects is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Within its capital budget, the assessment of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for TII. Given the many competing projects across the country, TII has to prioritise schemes. The projects included in the national development plan reflect the outcome of TII's prioritisation of projects in the context of the national strategic outcomes in the national planning framework. Unfortunately, the Thurles bypass was not one of the schemes included in the NDP on foot of that process.

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