Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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66. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the up-to-date position on safety improvement scheme works for the N22 junctions between Macroom and Ballincollig; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20747/23]

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 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.

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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67. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the Southern Relief Road in Carlow and the Relief Road for Tullow. [20800/23]

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 each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority.

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 for funding 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. Given the limited funding available for regional and local road improvement works it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind.

Following the completion of a Strategic Assessment Report (SAR) by Carlow County Council concerning options in relation to a potential Southern Relief Road, the Council was given clearance to proceed to prepare a Preliminary Business Case and the Council is in the process of progressing this.

My Department has not received an application from Carlow County Council regarding a relief road in Tullow.

Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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68. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the Northern Ring road in Cork. [20745/23]

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.

The Government has earmarked €5.1bn for capital spending on new national roads projects from 2021 to 2030 as part of the NDP. As the greater portion of this funding becomes available in the second half of the decade, this means that there is a constraint on the funding available for new projects this year, however, most national road projects in the NDP will continue to be progressed in 2023. In this context, €100,000 has been allocated for the Cork City Northern Transport Project. This project is listed in the NDP and will continue to be considered for further funding in future years over the life of the current NDP.

Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct update as to the status of this scheme. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.