251. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the underspend of the national road maintenance budget which has led to a national surplus of 39.7% and an average surplus per local authority of €2,334,691.70 according to TII data and detailed industry analysis (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49282/19]

252. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the underspend of the road maintenance budget for County Kilkenny which has led to a situation in which 90.8% or €3,678,420 of the annual budget has been left unspent as of 31 October 2019 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49283/19]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 251 and 252 together.

As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and securing capital funding in relation to the national roads programme.  Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 the planning, design, and construction, including the distribution and management of funding for national roads, is a matter for TII in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

Noting the above position, I have referred the question to TII for a direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.