Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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279. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his position on funding for transport infrastructure upgrades in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25343/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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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 regarding national roads in Kilkenny.

Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply regarding projects in Kilkenny. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Councils' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority.

On 14th February 2025 I announced an Exchequer investment of €713 million for our regional and local roads across the State which represents an overall increase of over 8% in funding this year. The main focus of the grants continues to be the protection and renewal of the regional and local road network.

Under the 2025 grants allocations, Kilkenny County Council was allocated over €19 million for the maintenance and improvement of their regional and local roads network.

This funding will support Kilkenny County Council in carrying out an extensive 2025 programme of maintenance and restoration works. In addition, the funding is earmarked to support various climate adaptation projects, bridge rehabilitation schemes and vital safety improvement works.

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.

In this regard, Kilkenny County Council has received an allocation of €550,000 in 2025 for two Specific Improvement Grant scheme; the Ferrymountgarrett Bridge and the Kilkenny City Traffic Analysis (Butts Green Junctions), and for one Strategic Regional and Local Road Scheme; Kilkenny City North Transport Project.

It should be noted that Exchequer funding for regional and local roads is intended to supplement realistic contributions from local authorities’ own resources. As the statutory road authorities for their areas, it is open to local authorities to prioritise investment on regional and local roads.

As the Deputy may be aware, as Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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280. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding for transport infrastructure upgrades in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25344/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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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 regarding national roads in Carlow.

Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply regarding the maintenance costs of these roads. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Councils' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority.

On 14th February 2025 I announced an Exchequer investment of €713 million for our regional and local roads across the State which represents an overall increase of over 8% in funding this year. The main focus of the grants continues to be the protection and renewal of the regional and local road network.

Under the 2025 grants allocations, Carlow County Council was allocated over €8 million for the maintenance and improvement of their regional and local roads network.

This funding will support Carlow County Council in carrying out an extensive 2025 programme of maintenance and restoration works. In addition, the funding is earmarked to support various climate adaptation projects, bridge rehabilitation schemes and vital safety improvement works.

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.

In this regard, Carlow County Council has received an allocation of €750,000 in 2025 for one Specific Improvement Grant scheme; the R448 Junction at Royal Oak, and for one Strategic Regional and Local Road Scheme; Carlow Southern Relief Road.

It should be noted that Exchequer funding for regional and local roads is intended to supplement realistic contributions from local authorities’ own resources. As the statutory road authorities for their areas, it is open to local authorities to prioritise investment on regional and local roads.

As the Deputy may be aware, as Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.