Written answers
Tuesday, 6 February 2018
Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport
Roads Maintenance Funding
Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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552. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if sufficient provisions have been set aside for the fixing of roads in need of repair in view of the upcoming British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly plenary in Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5940/18]
Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority.
As regards State grants for regional and local roads, the grants for 2018 include an increase of over 17% in funding for road maintenance and rehabilitation grants. In addition ring-fenced funding is being provided for community involvement and drainage grants this year.
As regards national roads, 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 maintenance of individual roads 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.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
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