Written answers

Monday, 11 September 2017

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Capital Investment Plan

Photo of Danny Healy-RaeDanny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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1503. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will include a road (details supplied) in the capital investment plan for 2016 to 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36964/17]

Photo of Shane RossShane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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As the Deputy is aware, while I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects (such as a link road between Castlelough on the N71 and Lissivigeen on the N22) is a matter for 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.

The Capital Plan published in September 2015 outlined proposed transport investment priorities to 2022. Maintenance and renewal of the road network will continue to be the main priority over the next period and the bulk of the roads capital budget, approximately €4.4 billion, is earmarked for such essential work with a further €600 million allocated for implementation of the PPP road programme which is already underway. In this context it was not possible to include a range of projects in the Plan (including the link road between Castlelough on the N71 and Lissivigeen on the N22) given the overall funding envelope available.

The Capital Review is now underway and while there is a strong case for additional funding for the transport sector, there are a multitude of possible national, regional and local projects around the country, the cost of which far exceed available funding and unfortunately, this means that only a limited number can be put forward for funding.

The final decisions on allocations are, however, matters for the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and Government as a whole.

Notwithstanding the above I have also referred the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days please notify my Office.

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