Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Local knowledge is indeed important. I am aware that the Deputy, in particular, has acute knowledge of his constituency and its environs in relation to traffic schemes. LIHAF is proving successful in its objective to ensure key infrastructure requirements are being funded to allow new housing to proceed. In specifically addressing the issue of housing supply, it can also be a factor in moderating house prices.

On traffic management proposals more generally, it is important to note that local authorities provide in excess of 1,000 services on behalf of over 30 public bodies. The provision of Exchequer funding is made on the basis of policy responsibility at national level. The locus of responsibility at national level is determined by where the policy responsibility lies, not by the fact that the services are delivered by local authorities.

The Minister for Transport, whom the Deputy mentioned and who I agree is a nice guy, announced details of a €626 million investment programme for 2023 for regional and local roads, including funding of €26 million under the specific grant category for smaller-scale road improvements. These grants comprise a mix of schemes, including bridge works and measures to improve safety, such as junction reconfiguration, together with schemes to alleviate traffic congestion in towns and improve access to centres of education, businesses and public transport. The Deputy may consider exploring whether this funding may more appropriately address the traffic management concerns he has raised. Kildare County Council is liaising with many stakeholders, including the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, on the MERR project and other matters. I thank the Deputy for his interest in this matter.

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