Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding funding for the entrance to a complex (details supplied) in County Wicklow; if funding will be allocated for this work as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53430/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is a statutory function of each road authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993.  The carrying out of works on these roads is a matter for the relevant local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants.

In July this year, the National Roads Authority (on behalf of the Department) invited applications for consideration for funding in 2013 under the Low Cost Safety Improvement Grants Scheme in respect of regional and local roads.  It is open to Wicklow County Council to prioritise this project at Vale Road Arklow and to submit it among its applications for funding.

Under the Low Cost Safety Improvement Works scheme the criterion for approval and grant allocation is based on accident data, discussions between the local authority and the National Roads Authority together with inspection of sites.  Works include a variety of safety work measures including road signage, road line works, surface works including anti-skid surfaces and works for improved vision at junctions and other locations.  However the initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the Council. Alternatively the council may fund these works from its Discretionary Grant or from its own resources. I will announce the 2013 regional and local road grant allocations early in the new year.