Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 254: To ask the Minister for Transport his views on whether the cutting of €150 million from the roads maintenance budget is disproportionate, in view of the fact that 71% of road deaths here take place on secondary routes; if he will re-consider this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25688/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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In view of the severe constraints on Exchequer finances, it was found necessary to reduce the provision for regional and local road improvements by €150 million in the 7 April Supplementary Budget. As a consequence, road grants already allocated for regional and local roads in February were reviewed, and revised road grants totalling €447.7 million were allocated to local authorities on 14 April. These grants, which supplement expenditure by local authorities from their own resources, represent a very significant investment at a time when public finances are under severe pressure.

The capital budget for improvement works this year is €321.5 million. This will fund 241 separate improvement projects at various stages of planning design and construction, as well as 1,700 kilometres of road reconstruction under the Restoration Improvement Programme. The Department also finances safety works at high accident locations on the regional and local road network. Grants were allocated to local authorities in April to finance measures at 257 locations.

There was no reduction in the April Supplementary Budget in the provision for maintenance works and grants of €126 million were allocated to local authorities. The bulk of this — €85 million — is being invested in the Restoration Maintenance Programme and it is expected that there will be an increase in surface dressing output achieved by local authorities under this programme this year, compared with 2008.

Safety is a fundamental consideration in the improvement and maintenance of our road network and this high level of investment is continuing to deliver a significant road safety dividend.