Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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In relation to the portion of the Deputy’s question on Carlow Southern Relief Road, and in line with my response delivered to the Deputy’s previous Oral PQ (52621/23) on the progress of the scheme, there has been no update in the interim.

With regards to the relief road for Tullow, it is important to highlight that 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.

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.

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