Written answers

Tuesday, 11 October 2011

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Road Network

8:00 pm

Photo of Michael Healy-RaeMichael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 539: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will make funding available in 2012 for roads (details supplied). [28610/11]

Photo of Leo VaradkarLeo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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As Minister for Transport, Tourism & 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 the National Roads Authority (NRA) under sections 17 and 19 of the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

Similarly, the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads, in its area, is a statutory function of each road authority in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993. Works on such roads are a matter for the relevant local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for each Council.

As I have stated before, a comprehensive review of capital spending is now underway, the results of which will form the basis for a new National Development Plan. The review will also take account of new funding realities. A major aim will be to prioritise funding to protect and maintain the investment made to date in the roads network and to maintain safety standards. It is expected that the NRA will announce their 2012 Grant Allocations for national roads early in the New Year. In the case of non-national roads, I would also expect to announce the Grant Allocations to Local Authorities early in 2012.

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