Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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​As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme.  The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects (including proposed works on the N2) is a matter for the Transport Infrastructure Ireland under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.  Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for TII in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.

Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy’s question regarding the N2 to TII for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you don’t receive a reply within ten working days.

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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​The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in Cavan is the statutory responsibility of Cavan County Council, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from the Council's own resources supplemented by State road grants.  The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the Council. My Department has not received an application for funding from Cavan County Council in respect of this road.

Given the cutbacks in State funding for regional and local roads since the financial crisis, it has been necessary to curtail the grant programme for major new regional and local road schemes and for major realignment schemes in order to protect the funding available for the maintenance of the existing network. The bulk of the funding allocated under the Capital Plan is, therefore, earmarked for the maintenance and renewal of the road network with some limited investment in the new projects.

I announced the 2017 regional and local road allocations to local authorities (including Cavan County Council) on 24 January and all grant funding has now been allocated.