Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026
373. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if it can be ensured proper skirting and drainage works takes place on our primary, secondary, tertiary and local roads to ensure the safety of motorists, pedestrians, cyclists and all who use these roads. [10117/26]
View answerAs 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 in relation to ensuring proper skirting and drainage works take place on national roads.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. 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, which are supplemented by State grants for regional and local roads. This responsibility includes the provision and maintenance of drainage systems.
In 2022, the Department of Transport published the Guidelines for Road Drainage, Second Edition. This document supersedes the “Guidelines for Road Drainage” published by the (then) Department of the Environment, Heritage, and Local Government in 2004. This document is to provide guidance to all Local Authorities (LA) Engineers, Supervisors and other relevant bodies on the current best practice guidance in respect of Road Drainage.
The purpose of the document is to:
Provide means of standardising the practices used in the maintenance of the road drainage network;
Provide a consistent and uniform approach to the construction methods associated with road drainage;
Provide robust guidance to future proof the road drainage network to cater for the effects of climate change.
The Department provides funding for road drainage related works through a number of grant schemes including the Drainage Grant and Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Grant. Drainage works can also be carried out as part of Restoration Improvement Grant works and under the Discretionary Grant. It is the responsibility of each Local Authority to prioritise works within its administrative area.
