Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
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23. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the second bridge and southern relief route for Newbridge, County Kildare; the recent progress; his plans to bring the project to fruition; the target date for opening; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45579/24]

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.

Kildare County Council submitted a preliminary appraisal application in late 2023 with an approximate cost estimate of €12.5m. It was noted to the Council that the project would require a business case to be developed in order for the Council to substantiate the need for the scheme that addresses the transport issues or opportunities and provides value for money. The Department understands that the Council are currently investigating the preparation of a business case for the remaining section of the Newbridge Southern Outer Orbital Route.