I propose to take Questions Nos. 184 and 185 together.
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 planning, management, design and construction 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. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the spend on new national roads each year since 2008.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question regarding the spend on new national roads since 2008 to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
Approximately €237 million in exchequer capital funding for new national roads has been provided through TII to local authorities in 2023.
With regard to 2024, the Government has earmarked €5.1bn for capital spending on new national roads projects from 2021 to 2030 as part of the NDP. As the greater portion of this funding becomes available in the second half of the decade, this may mean that there is a constraint on the funding available for new projects in 2024. At this point it is not possible to confirm definitive numbers in terms of the allocations for 2024 or beyond. However it is anticipated that many national roads projects will continue to be progressed next year.