Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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117. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is aware of the direction by Transport Infrastructure Ireland to all local authorities to withhold planned road improvement tenders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36014/24]

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 management 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.

However, I can confirm that there has been no reduction to the overall capital funding available for national roads in 2024, which was announced at the start of the year.

A number of new road projects are facing funding pressures in 2024 due to reasons including an increased pace of delivery and land acquisition costs, as well as inflation and increased cost of materials which are higher than when the original estimates were calculated. This means the allocation will be spread on fewer projects than originally anticipated. This has resulted in the need to postpone some asset renewal works to ensure that the delivery of major new roads projects can continue. This is particularly the case where existing contracts are in place. It is important to note that any postponement is temporary in nature.

These new roads projects include the N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge project, which is under construction, and the M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy and Limerick to Foynes (including Adare Bypass) projects which are approaching construction. A number of projects at an earlier stage in the development lifecycle are also affected. These important projects are in line with the commitment of Government to invest in new roads infrastructure to ensure that all parts of Ireland are connected to each other. They will also assist in removing traffic from our towns and villages, creating more liveable communities.

In order to ensure the continued delivery of these important projects, earlier this year TII proposed to postpone some asset renewal works on the existing network, including work to renew pavement, until 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter. In addition, some Greenways funding will be used to advance active travel infrastructure on the national road network, which would otherwise be funded from the roads budget. This will allow funding to be directed to new roads projects. It is important to point out that Safety Improvement Schemes will not be effected by these measures.

The Department and TII engage on a regular basis on the national roads programme, and the Department is committed to the continued maintenance and renewal of the existing road network.

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.

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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118. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a local authority has been instructed not to proceed to tender on a road project (details supplied), which has already been approved in the annual road grant notification, without prior approval of the Transport Infrastructure Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36018/24]

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 management 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 on the status of this project.

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.

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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119. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a local authority has been instructed not to proceed to tender on a road project (details supplied), which has already been approved in the annual road grant notification, without prior approval of the Transport Infrastructure Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36019/24]

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 management 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.

However, I can confirm that there has been no reduction to the overall capital funding available for national roads in 2024, which was announced at the start of the year.

A number of new road projects are facing funding pressures in 2024 due to reasons including an increased pace of delivery and land acquisition costs, as well as inflation and increased cost of materials which are higher than when the original estimates were calculated. This means the allocation will be spread on fewer projects than originally anticipated. This has resulted in the need to postpone some asset renewal works to ensure that the delivery of major new roads projects can continue. This is particularly the case where existing contracts are in place. It is important to note that any postponement is temporary in nature.

These new roads projects include the N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge project, which is under construction, and the M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy and Limerick to Foynes (including Adare Bypass) projects which are approaching construction. A number of projects at an earlier stage in the development lifecycle are also affected. These important projects are in line with the commitment of Government to invest in new roads infrastructure to ensure that all parts of Ireland are connected to each other. They will also assist in removing traffic from our towns and villages, creating more liveable communities.

In order to ensure the continued delivery of these important projects, earlier this year TII proposed to postpone some asset renewal works on the existing network, including work to renew pavement, until 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter. In addition, some Greenways funding will be used to advance active travel infrastructure on the national road network, which would otherwise be funded from the roads budget. This will allow funding to be directed to new roads projects. It is important to point out that Safety Improvement Schemes will not be effected by these measures.

The Department and TII engage on a regular basis on the national roads programme, and the Department is committed to the continued maintenance and renewal of the existing road network.

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.