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 Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you regarding the national roads projects listed.

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.

In relation to the Carlow Southern Relief Road and the Tralee Northern Relief Road, 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. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority.

Regional and local road funding grants are used predominantly for road pavement resealing and strengthening works, bridge rehabilitation projects, climate adaptation, safety measures, drainage works and community involvement schemes on less trafficked roads.

In addition to maintaining the road network, targeted improvements are also prioritised, including 12 strategic schemes identified in the National Development Plan. To date 7 of the NDP schemes have been completed including the Athy Southern Distributor Road (opened Oct 2023) along with the Portlaoise Southern Relief Road, Sallins Bypass and the Sligo Western Distributor Road and a further three projects are at construction stage, including the Tralee Northern Relief Road and the Shannon Crossing, Killaloe Bypass and R494 Upgrade schemes.

The planning and implementation of the projects is the responsibility of the relevant local authority.