Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 February 2019
183. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be made available to local councils to improve road conditions and road safety outside schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5829/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants, where applicable. Arising from the arrangements in place in relation to Local Property Tax receipts the four Dublin Councils became self funding for regional and local roads under the main road grant categories with effect from 2015.
Where local authorities are eligible for grants, the Department invites applications each year from local authorities for safety improvement schemes. Under this programme it is open to local authorities to seek funding for works which can assist in reducing vehicle speeds and improve road safety. Funding can also be sought under the Specific and Strategic Grant Programmes for larger scale safety projects and it is also open to local authorities to use Discretionary Grant funds for safety measures.
As regards schools located on national roads, as Minister I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. My Department allocates the national capital roads programme budget to Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to manage and deliver (in accordance with the Roads Acts 1993-2015) the planning, design, and construction of all national roads developments, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting the above position, I have, therefore, referred the question to TII for a direct reply to you in relation to national roads. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
