Fleming calls for clarification on new role for NRA in local roads funding

Posted on 23/09/09 by Sean Fleming The Chairman of the Oireachtas Environment, Heritage and Local Government Committee Sean Fleming TD has called for the Chief Executive of the National Roads Authority (NRA) and senior officials from the Department of Transport to attend a special meeting of the Committee to discuss recent changes into the management of regional and local roads. This meeting will take place as soon as possible.

"Up to now, the Local Authorities reviewed the regional and local roads in their area and submitted a plan to the Department of Transport as to which roads needed work and funding was allocated by the Department."

"Changes to this system will now mean that the NRA will manage the local roads plans in each local authority and approve what work needs to be done and apply to the Department of Transport for funding."

"The Committee is concerned about this change of approach as it may diminish the authority of County Councils, their engineers and elected members."

"This change came into effect on the 1st of September 2009."

"I am hopeful that the officials from the Department of Transport and the NRA will be able to explain why the management of local roads was changed and what the rationale is behind this change. We will also use the opportunity to express our concerns about the impact of taking local autonomy away from County Councils," concluded Deputy Fleming.