Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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270. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 479 of 8 November 2016, if it is the case, as implied in his response, that his Department does not hold estimates of, and does not know the amount invested in, maintaining the national roads network in each year from 2008 to 2016 and is unwilling to provide this information; his views on concerns that his Department does not consider that this is under its policy remit; and if he will provide such information, which undoubtedly pertains to road policy and the overall funding framework rather than simply operational matters. [35616/16]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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​As you are aware, 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 operation of individual road projects is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) (formerly known as the NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

I understand that TII wrote to you directly on the 15th November 2016 (in answer to PQ 32305/16) detailing the funding for ordinary maintenance on the national road network for 2008 to 2016.  These figures are in the public domain.

However, when it comes to calculating steady state requirements, capital expenditure related to road pavement renewals, bridge rehabilitation and safety works are also included in the assessment.  As indicated to you previously, the "Background Paper 13: Analysis of Steady State Cost of Transport in Ireland", published by my Department last year, includes an estimate of the level of expenditure required to maintain the current land transport system, including the national road network, in its steady state.

As also indicated previously, TII, as the agency with operational responsibility for the network, is best placed to provide an updated assessment based on its ongoing evaluation of the condition of the network, including pavements, bridges and tunnels.  I understand that TII has indicated to you that it estimates that the current level of annual funding available for ordinary maintenance, operations, road pavement renewals, bridge rehabilitation and road safety works is in the region of €150 million less than the amount required to maintain the network in a steady state in the long run.  If there is additional information you require from TII, please let my office know.