David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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230. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has received the strategic assessment report on the need to put in place a relief road bypass around Castlemartyr and or Killeagh and to further upgrade the N25 between Midleton and Youghal, County Cork; when he will he be in a position to make any decision on this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1223/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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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 planning, design and construction 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 on the status of these projects.

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.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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231. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the current status of the Meath County Council draft appraisal for the proposed Julianstown bypass which aims to deal with the relentless congestion experienced in the village; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1241/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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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 Councils’ own resources supplemented by State road grants.  The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the Council. 

The major cuts to funding for regional and local roads during the post 2008 recession resulted in the build-up of a substantial backlog of works across the country.  The estimated cost of the backlog is in excess of €5 billion. Because of the pressures on the regional and local road network, approximately 90% of available Exchequer grant assistance to local authorities for regional and local roads is being directed to maintenance and renewal works rather than for new roads or for road realignments.

Any road improvement projects proposed by local authorities for consideration under the Strategic Grant Programme are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects put forward by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Public Spending Code and my Department's Capital Appraisal Framework.

The revised Public Spending Code requires a Strategic Assessment Report (SAR) for all projects with an estimated expenditure of €10 million or more. The SAR is now a key deliverable at the first decision stage in the project appraisal process. My Department has not received a SAR from Meath County Council for this proposed project.