Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 193: To ask the Minister for Transport if, in view of the importance of the proposed new Coolnamuck Bridge and link road in Carrick-on-Suir to the development of local infrastructure and to the local economy and the difficulties for the local town council in introducing a supplementary levy scheme to fund this critical project, his Department will provide the necessary funds for the proposed new bridge or if he will direct the National Roads Authority under section 41 of the Roads Act 1993 to fund his key project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10886/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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Under Sections 17 and 19 of the Roads Act 1993, as amended, the National Roads Authority (NRA) is responsible for the funding, design, construction and maintenance of the national roads network. I understand that the bridge and link road in question are not part of this network and therefore the issue of NRA funding is not relevant in this case. The provision and improvement of regional and local roads, including bridges, in its area is a matter for each local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State grants.

In August 2007, my Department invited applications from local authorities for consideration for funding in 2008 under the regional and local roads specific improvements grants scheme. The initial selection of projects to be submitted for consideration for funding under this scheme is solely a matter for local authorities. The proposals submitted by South Tipperary County Council did not include an application for grant aid for Coolnamuck Bridge or a link road in Carrick-on-Suir. All road grants for regional and local roads in 2008 have now been fully allocated to local authorities.