Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 July 2025
241. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport what engagement he has had with South Dublin County Council regarding traffic congestion and road infrastructure in its administrative area, particularly in relation to access to the N7 and the M50. [36083/25]
View answerI can confirm that I have had no engagements on this matter with South Dublin County Council
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.
Noting the above position, I have referred this to TII requesting an update on any plans for the N7 and M50. 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.
As outlined in the 2025 Regional and Local Roads Grant Programme which I announced on the 14th of February this year, the Government is strongly committed to protecting the existing regional and local road network. This network is fundamental in maintaining social and economic connectivity, linking people and places across the country.
Grants provided by the Regional and Local Roads Division are primarily directed to local authorities outside Dublin. The four Dublin Authorities, Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown, Fingal, South Dublin and Dublin City, are required to self-fund their normal road works programmes as a result of these Councils’ Local Property Tax (LPT) receipts. Accordingly, these Councils do not feature in most of the grant programmes but are eligible for training grants and may apply for monies under the Strategic Grant programme and certain miscellaneous grants. The implementation of their annual road maintenance programmes is, therefore, the responsibility of each Council and I have no role in this process.
