Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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257. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will support an application to activate funds to determine the design phase of a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48221/23]

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.

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

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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258. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on a roads project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48230/23]

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 Councils' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority.

Due to 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 Transport 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.

Mayo County Council received an allocation of €850,000 this year under the Strategic Regional and Local Road Grant Programme for the R332 Kilmaine to Foxhall Road project. It is my understanding that the the scheme is currently at design and land acquisition stage, with some pavement works expected to commence shortly.

Planning and implementation of the R332 Kilmaine to Foxhall Road project is the responsibility of Mayo County Council.