Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Question 523: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress to date in 2005 in processing the application from Laois County Council to his Department for funding for road safety improvement measures for the junction of the Portlaoise to Timahoe road and the Stradbally to Ballyroan road (details supplied) in view of the fact that the National Roads Authority has approved revised plans for this junction; the estimated cost of this project and the amount of funding sought by the local authority; the date on which this application was made; when this funding will be approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38231/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The low cost safety improvement works scheme of grants for non-national roads was introduced by my Department in 2000 as an extension of the scheme operated on national roads under the auspices of the NRA. The NRA assesses applications for grant assistance under the non-national roads scheme on behalf of my Department. The criteria for grant approval are based on accident data, inspection of sites, locations showing demonstrable hazards and discussions between the local authority and the NRA.

On 26 July 2005, my Department invited applications for consideration for funding under the scheme in 2006. On 1 September 2005, Laois County Council submitted ten applications including one for remedial works at Money Cross at a cost of €262,000. The NRA, on behalf of my Department, is currently examining all low cost safety improvement proposals. I intend to announce details of individual allocations to local authorities under the scheme early in the new year.