The National Roads Authority (NRA) says that an Exchequer allocation for 2002 of more than €1 billion will ensure an unprecedented level of road construction activity throughout the country in 2002.
The 2002 allocation is an increase in funding for the national roads programme of €41.35 million from last year.
While the Construction Industry Federation welcomed the grant to the NRA, the Fine Gael spokesperson on local government, Ms Olivia Mitchell said that the timetable for the provision of vital infrastructure is falling further and further behind.
"This years plan does not provide for even a start on many of the critical by-passes around the country which were programmed last year," said Ms Mitchell.
Over €10m will be spent this year on the implementation of the Authority’s extensive road safety agenda in support of the Government’s Road to Safety strategy. Activities to receive funding will include the accident counter measures programme for high-risk accident locations, traffic calming schemes and the delineation and road signage programme.
Exchequer funding for the national roads programme totalled €958.65 in 2001, an increase of over €300m. (46%) on the previous year. The Exchequer is providing increased resources again this year amounting to €1.01 billion for improvement and maintenance works.
NRA Chairman, Mr Peter Malone, welcomed the funding commitment stating: "The National Development Plan (NDP), 2000-2006, provides the strategic framework for the Authority’s activities. The Plan is now in its third year and during this time the Exchequer has allocated €2.16 billion to the national roads programme, €265m above the NDP commitment.
"EU financial support remains a vital element of the overall planned investment in the national road network with €800 million available from the European Regional Development Fund and the Cohesion Fund between 2000 and 2006".
Ireland is ranked thirteenth out of the 15 EU Member States under the competitiveness score for transport infrastructure according to the 2001 Annual Report from the National Competitiveness Council. Factors responsible for the ranking include a medium density road network and an under-developed motorway network.