Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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5. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if emergency funding for drainage works and the repair of roads networks will be provided to Tipperary County Council in response to severe flooding and unprecedented levels of rainfall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56055/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I know the Deputy raised his concerns about the impact of the recent severe weather in Tipperary on the road network in a recent Topical issue.

As regards the current position in relation to regional and local roads, Tipperary County Council made a submission to my Department on 25th October seeking grant assistance for the repair works needed as a consequence of the intense rainfall experienced over the weekend of the 15th October. Unfortunately, such severe weather is becoming an all too frequent event.

Following engagement with the relevant Department Engineering Inspector, a response to the Council’s submission issued last Friday. This response indicates that the costs involved in repairing regional and local roads as set out in the Council’s submission can be claimed under the Regional and Local Road Grant Programme.

In this context, while it is established practice that local authorities are advised by the Department that they have the option of reprioritising their annual work programmes following severe weather events, it is appreciated that that is not always feasible depending on the time of year. In view of this the Department tries to work with local authorities to facilitate the management of repair works when an event happens close to the end of a Council’s annual work programme. This can include allowing urgent works to be carried out and funding recouped at year end, if possible, or as part of the next year’s general road maintenance and renewal programme.

In relation to national roads, I understand from Transport Infrastructure Ireland that the section of the M8 Motorway affected by the severe weather is maintained by TII’s Motorway and Maintenance contractors. TII has confirmed that it will engage directly with Tipperary County Council on issues arising from the October severe weather event.