Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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52. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when work to repair a bridge in County Kerry (details supplied) will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25624/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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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 Bridge Rehabilitation Programme. Applications are sought each year from local authorities under this programme for consideration for funding in the subsequent year.

In the 2024 allocations, Kerry County Council received an allocation of €195,000 for the bridge in an Inse Bhui, Maistir Gaoithe, Co. Kerry and approval has been given to the Council to proceed with the works.

As Kerry County Council is responsible for maintaining and improving its regional and local roads, it is the Council's responsibility to determine its priorities and work programme while taking account of the funding provided from grant allocations and from the Council's own resources.