Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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78. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if key road infrastructure projects will be prioritised for investment in 2020 such as the proposed east to west route, namely, the road from Cootehill, Shercock, Carrickmacross and Dundalk, in view of the particular challenges facing the Border region due to Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39876/19]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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As the Deputy is aware, the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of local authorities, 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 local authority.

This year I gave an allocation of €100,000 to Cavan County Council to enable the Council to undertake a detailed project appraisal, in line with the current requirements in the Public Spending Code and the Capital Investment Framework, of the Cavan to Dundalk section of the proposed east-west route. The aim of this appraisal would be to assess the extent to which the scheme or elements of it can be justified in terms of appraisal and advanced for further consideration in relation to schemes for future development. Preparation of the appraisal is the responsibility of the Council.

Allocations for 2020 will not be decided on, or issued until early 2020.