Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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39. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be provided for the extension of the M3 motorway to Cavan town and the east-west link which are needed in the north east; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15165/19]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of the relevant local authority 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.

With regard to upgrading the East - West road linking Dundalk to Cavan it should be noted that there are a considerable number of financial requests from Local Authorities for road improvement projects across the country. However my Department has provided an allocation this year to Cavan County Council to allow the project appraisal for this road to be updated. 

As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme.  Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the planning, design and construction of individual national roads (including any upgrade of the N3) is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. 

Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.