Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

200. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if matters raised in correspondence (details supplied) will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56839/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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 each local authority.

Due to 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/bridges or for road realignments.

The Department's grant funding for the maintenance of regional and local roads is allocated to local authorities on a pro-rata basis, determined mainly by the length of the regional and local road network in the county. Decisions regarding allocations to individual Municipal Districts are a matter for each local authority.

The Department appreciates that, within the overall parameters set for the grant programme, local authorities might need to target funding at particular problem areas and there is sufficient flexibility in the structure of the grant programme to allow for this.

It should be noted that Exchequer funding for regional and local roads is intended to supplement realistic contributions from local authorities’ own resources. As the statutory road authorities for their areas, it is open to local authorities to prioritise investment in certain locations, as required.

Grant allocations for 2024 will be notified to local authorities in the coming weeks.

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

201. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if matters raised in correspondence (details supplied) will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56841/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of local authorities, 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 also a matter for the local authority.

In late 2021 local authorities were invited to apply for funding for Community Involvement Scheme (CIS) projects for a two year programme for the period 2022-2023. Within the overall budget available for the CIS grant programme over the two year period, local authorities were allocated funding on a pro-rata basis unless an individual authority sought less than the pro-rata amount.

Local authorities were given a somewhat higher proportion of their overall allocation in the year 2022 and in March last year local authorities were notified of their CIS allocations for both 2022 and 2023.

The 2023 funding allocation for Monaghan County Council is consistent with this approach.

It should be noted that exchequer funding for regional and local roads is intended to supplement realistic contributions from local authorities’ own resources. As the statutory road authorities for their areas, it is open to local authorities to prioritise investment on regional and local roads.

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel. Funding is administered through the National Transport Authority (NTA), who, in partnership with local authorities, have responsibility for the selection and development of specific projects in each local authority area.

Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your query to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.