Louis O'Hara
Ceist:209. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the replacement of a railway bridge (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65427/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 25 November 2025
Ceisteanna (209)
Freagraí scríofa
In accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993, each local authority has statutory responsibility for the improvement and maintenance of their regional and local roads. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources and are supplemented by State Road grants. Of these grants, the vast majority (approximately 90%) are targeted at the maintenance and renewal of the network with c. 10% of the remaining funding invested in new roads/bridges or for road realignments.
Any new road projects that seek State funding are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects proposed by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines (formerly the Public Spending Code) and the Department's Transport Appraisal Framework. Given the limited funding available for regional and local road improvement works it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind.
To date, two of the four sections of the Athenry Relief Road have been constructed. Funding has been provided in 2025 to facilitate the construction of the third section which will connect the previous two sections already constructed. The contract was awarded earlier this year for the third section following the conclusion of the tender process, and the construction programme is underway. The implementation of this project is the responsibility of Galway County Council.
With regards the replacement of the bridge in question, Irish Rail are responsible for this element of the works. The Department has provided funding to Galway County Council under the strategic regional and local road grant programme to undertake surveys to allow the development of the preliminary design including aspects of the bridge works required to facilitate the final section of the relief road. This work has been progressed in conjunction with Irish Rail. The current proposal indicates that the existing bridge over the final road section may have to be have to be raised and there may be additional impacts on another bridge. The cost implications on the final section of the Athenry relief road and any possible impact on the business case for the scheme are being assessed.