Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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158. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department has instructed Transport Infrastructure Ireland to withhold funding for overlay of national roads or national secondary roads in counties Mayo, Galway and Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24039/24]

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 operation and maintenance 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.

Approximately €411m in capital exchequer funding was allocated to local authorities through TII for the purposes of national roads in 2024. This includes funding for new roads projects, as well as for the protection and renewal of the existing network, such as pavement renewal. The allocations announced by TII earlier this year are an indication of the progress that TII believes is possible on each national roads project during the year. However, if the progression of any national roads project, programme or operation is impeded or priorities change, the funding will be redistributed by TII, in accordance with its statutory remit, to other national roads or greenways projects, programmes, or operations. No funding has been withdrawn by my Department from TII this year.

Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply updating you as to work that is taking place regarding pavement renewal in counties Mayo, Galway and Roscommon in 2024. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.