Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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348. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the cost of gritting an additional 50 secondary routes annually. [38420/23]

Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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349. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the cost of gritting an additional ten secondary routes annually. [38421/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 348 and 349 together.

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.

With regards to Regional and Local roads, under the Department's Discretionary Grant, Councils have the discretion to use grant funding for eligible winter maintenance works. In this context it is a matter for each Council to determine its winter road treatment programme including the prioritisation of routes for salting/gritting.