344. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider working with Meath County Council to create a national programme to address the highest-risk road sections across County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29690/26]

In accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993, each local authority has statutory responsibility for the improvement and maintenance of their regional and local roads. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources and are supplemented by State grants.

My Department funds Network Safety Analysis of the Regional and Local Road Network across the country. Using available collision datasets, high collision locations are identified and Locations of Interest (LoI) reports are produced.

These LoI reports are then issued to the relevant local authority and form the basis for application for funding under the Safety Improvement Schemes Grant. In 2026 my Department allocated €14 million in Safety Improvement Schemes Grant to the sector which is funding over 330 low cost safety schemes nationally and is an 8% increase over the 2025 allocation. In 2026 Meath County Council received €500,000 for 17 low cost safety schemes across the county.

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you in relation to road traffic accident black spots on National Roads.

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