1. ROADS Services Training Group
LOCAL AUTHORITY ROADS CONFERENCE 2013
OUR ROADS – PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE/ROLE IN NATIONAL AND LOCAL DEVELOPMENT
HODSON BAY HOTEL, ATHLONE, MAY 2013. 1

2. Regional & Local Roads Programme 2013 - Implementation
Our Roads - Planning for the Future/Role in National and Local Development
Regional & Local Roads Programme Implementation
John Fitzsimons, R&L Roads Manager
National Roads Authority

3. Grant Administration
NRA manages the annual grant allocations process on behalf of the DTT&S
Recommend various grant allocations to the Minister
Invite proposals from local authorities for Specific Improvement, Strategic Schemes, and Low Cost Safety Improvement grants – all processed under the NRA Road Maintenance System
Proposals are then assessed by the NRA, and draft allocations set and submitted to the DTT&S

4. Grant Administration
Other grant allocations are generally set by road length (e.g. Restoration Improvement) or by population in the case of Block Grants for urban areas
Once the allocations are approved by the Minister & DTTS, they are set up on the Authority’s PRS system for claims processing
Grant allocations may be amended by the NRA/DTT&S during the year

5. Grant Administration
Grant allocation transfers may be permitted in certain cases e.g. within Specific Improvement schemes
Procedures applying to the grant allocations are set out in the DTT&S “Memorandum on Grants for R&L roads”
NRA monitors financial progress with the DTT&S, and may adjust allocations in line with overall budgets

6. LA Claims & Payments
LA claims are made/processed once per month on the Authority’s PRS system
Claim dates are notified at the end of the previous year – NRA Circular 14/2012
Last payment run for R&L roads is the 6th Dec 2013; claims must be in by this date
NRA Inspectors process each claim up to the grant allocation amount
In cases of additional expenditure, make a separate claim in the final payment run and notify your Inspector

7. Technical Support & Inspections
NRA provides Technical Support in following key areas
Pavement condition surveys – regional roads, procurement and management of contracts
Regional road condition data – thematic mapping
Bridges – principal inspections framework
Bridges – Technical Approval of bridge works which require design, Circular RLR 7/2009
Use of the NRA DMRB & MCDRW, where appropriate
Environmental Impact Assessment and preparation of Statements

8. Technical Support & Inspections
Inspections are carried out on SG and SRLR schemes
Larger SRLR schemes – try to attend some of the progress meetings
Sample of the RI and RM schemes