Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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18. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the communication he has had on a project in County Kildare (details supplied); the number of meetings he has attended in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27384/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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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 State 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 Infrastructure Guidelines (formerly 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.

An application for funding has been received by my Department from Kildare County Council in relation to the proposed second bridge in Newbridge and Southern Outer Relief Road. This is currently being reviewed by the Department.