Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 June 2024
106. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider establishing a fund for communities to finance traffic calming measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26124/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra107. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport to outline the supports that are in place to assist local authorities with regards to traffic-calming measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26125/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 106 and 107 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 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 Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you in respect of funding for traffic-calming measures 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 supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority.
My Department provides grant assistance to local authorities under the Regional and Local Road Grant Programme for a number of targeted programmes, including the Safety Improvement Programme. Applications are sought each year from local authorities under this programme for consideration for funding in the subsequent year. In this context funding can be sought for traffic calming measures. It is a matter for the relevant Local Authority to submit such an application for consideration of funding.
