Matt Shanahan (Waterford, Independent)
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123. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the National Development Plan expenditure envisaged by his Department; the road projects that are being considered in terms of upgrading the N24 and N25 roads (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22060/23]

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 projects on the N24 and N25.

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.

In relation to the National Development Plan expenditure, the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform is responsible for setting the overall capital allocations across Departments and for monitoring monthly expenditure at Departmental level. The responsibility for the management and delivery of individual investment projects, within the allocations agreed under the National Development Plan (NDP), rests with the individual sponsoring Department in each case. 

The NDP published in October 2021 provides a detailed and positive vision for Ireland out to 2030 and delivers total public investment of €165 billion over the period 2021-2030. This expenditure was considered and agreed in order to support those sectors that would be key in delivering the ten National Strategic Outcomes identified in the National Planning Framework.

In 2023, over €12 billion will be made available from the Exchequer for investment in public capital projects, which will provide more schools, homes, hospitals and other pieces of vital infrastructure. This level of expenditure will be pivotal in consolidating the progress already made, and, most importantly, delivering the infrastructure to support our future climate, social and economic requirements.

The Government has earmarked €5.1bn for capital spending on new national roads projects from 2021 to 2030 as part of the NDP.

Approximately €491m of exchequer capital funds have been provided for national roads through Transport Infrastructure Ireland to local authorities in 2023.