Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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159. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide an updated assessment on the case for a relief road in Mountmellick (details supplied). [52016/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 149 and 159 together.

In accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993, each local authority has statutory responsibility for the improvement and maintenance of their regional and local roads. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources and are supplemented by State Road grants. Of these grants, the vast majority (approximately 90%) are targeted at the maintenance and renewal of the network with c. 10% of the remaining funding invested in new roads/bridges or for road realignments.

Any new road projects that seek funding are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects proposed by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Public Spending Code and the 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.

Noting the above, my Department has not received an application from Laois County Council for funding for a relief road in Mountmellick, County Laois.