Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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809. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount each local authority requested to repair damage as a result of all storms since Storm Desmond in December 2015; the amount he has granted to each authority; the amount each local authority has drawn down as of 11 March 2016, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5426/16]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The Government decided in January 2016 to allocate €106m to assist in the repair of storm and flood damage to transport infrastructure - this decision was taken on foot of initial estimates from local authorities of the cost of repairs. Following the Government decision, my Department requested (Circular RW 3 of 2016) local authorities to submit an immediate list of proposed road repair works by the 5th February 2016. It was indicated to local authorities that funding would be allocated in 2 tranches with the initial allocation facilitating local authorities to start repairs as quickly as possible and the allocation of a 2nd tranche in May intended to allow some time for the further investigation and evaluation of proposed works, for example in relation to bridges.

Following receipt and consideration of the returns received from local authorities, the Department announced on the 18 February €85 million in grant allocations to assist local authorities in commencing repairs on regional and local roads. Local authorities were informed that the Department of Public Expenditure, in approving the additional funding for repair works, has stipulated that the monies involved have to be drawn down this year and that for that reason works listed in returns for implementation in 2017 could not be considered for funding. Local authorities were also informed that it is very important for them to plan their work programmes so that funding can be fully drawn down by the 30 November 2016.

The cost of the proposed repair works to national, regional and local roads included in local authorities' returns, together with the allocation provided by my Department in relation to regional and local roads is set out in the table provided. In addition an €8 million allocation was provided to Transport Infrastructure Ireland for works on national roads damaged as a result of the storms and flooding. As details of allocations to local authorities in respect of damage to national roads is a matter for TII, I have referred the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply.

Local authorities have until the 29th April 2016 to submit a second return in relation to additional works on regional and local roads. Following the second submission, the Department will again assess the proposals received from Councils across the country and follow up as appropriate with a top-up severe weather allocation.

I understand that local authorities have already started the repair works to remedy damage arising from the recent severe weather and I expect the severe weather allocations to be fully drawn down during the course of the year. At the end of March 2016, one local authority (Waterford City and County Council) has drawn down severe weather funding of €517,093.