Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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150. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the tonnage of salt available for use on the regional and local roads network; the total amount used over this winter to date; the total amount available and used in the years 2017 to date; if he will provide any associated funding provided to local authorities in this regard, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6832/23]

Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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151. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide funding to local authorities to ensure that the roads leading to all schools are gritted during adverse weather conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6833/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 150 and 151 together.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has been tasked with managing the central purchase of salt stocks for national, regional and local roads. 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 Roads Grant Programme budget. In the case of regional and local roads, a charge for salt used over the previous winter by individual local authorities is deducted from Councils’ Discretionary Grant in the following year.

While it is open to local authorities to purchase salt independently for regional and local roads, most local authorities draw on the central facility.

TII looks after the management of the central salt stocks for national, regional and local roads with the Department approving salt purchases for regional and local roads. The amount of salt used each year varies depending on the weather and each winter season assessments have to be made in relation to the amount and timing of salt purchases, taking into account usage, stock balances and storage capacity.In this context TII monitors stock drawdowns closely with a view to ensuring that sufficient stocks are in place to meet demand from local authorities.

As regards the gritting of regional and local roads leading to schools, it is a matter for each Council to determine its winter road treatment programme including the prioritisation of routes for salting/gritting.The amount of salt used depends, therefore, on decisions made by local authorities and usage for each winter season from 2017/2018 is outlined in the table below together with usage to date this season.

With regards the gritting of national roads in the vicinity of schools, 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.

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.