950. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider increasing the amount of funding that County Meath will receive for road maintenance and upgrading in 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29056/15]

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme.  The planning, design and implementation of individual national road projects in County Meath is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with Meath County Council. Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for the NRA in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.

Concerning regional and local roads, the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in Meath is the statutory responsibility of Meath County Council, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants of €12.2 million in 2015.  The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the Council.

Decisions on national, regional and local road allocations for 2016 will be made towards the end of the year and will depend on the funding available to my Department.