Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 241 and 242 together.

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 Councils' own resources supplemented by State road grants. 

Transport Infrastructure Ireland has been tasked with managing the central purchase of salt stocks for national, regional and local roads to ensure there are adequate stocks in place for each winter season.  The upfront cost related to the purchase and stocking of salt for national roads is funded from TII’s grant allocation while the cost for regional and local roads is funded from the Department’s regional and local road budget.  Where local authorities use centrally purchased salt on regional and local roads, the cost associated with salt usage in the previous season is deducted from each  authority’s annual Discretionary Grant, where applicable, or recouped to the Department by the self-funding authorities based on a standard cost per tonne which is €50/tonne at present. While most local authorities avail of this central purchasing facility, two authorities make their own salt purchase arrangements. 

The following table indicates the number of tonnes of salt used by each Local Authority on regional and local roads from the 2017/2018 winter season, up to and including the 2020/2021 season.

With regards to the amount of salt used on national roads, as Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme.  Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you.

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.