Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2025
323. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Transport the key measures taken to support the local and regional road network during 2025; his priorities for 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73571/25]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Councils' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority.
As outlined in the 2025 Regional and Local Roads Grant Programme which I announced on the 14th of February this year, the Government is strongly committed to protecting the existing regional and local road network. This network is fundamental in maintaining social and economic connectivity, linking people and places across the country.
Irelands regional and local road network spans over 96,000kms. The network requires significant funding to ensure it remains fit for purpose, safe and resilient. As such, €713 million was allocated to regional and local road grants in 2025, with approximately 90% of this funding being directed towards maintenance and renewal works. This represents an overall increase of over 8% in funding this year.
This funding has supported local authorities in carrying out an extensive 2025 programme of maintenance and restoration works. Funding also supported various safety improvement works, bridge rehabilitation schemes, drainage works, climate adaptation measures, community involvement projects and the maintenance of former national roads.
In addition to maintenance, targeted improvements are a priority. In 2025, €47.8 million was allocated to investing in developing and upgrading this infrastructure through vital Strategic Grant projects which are continuing to be progressed. These include projects identified for development under the National Development Plan such as the Tralee Northern Relief Road and the Coonagh to Knockalisheen Distributor Road.
An additional €22.2 million was allocated for smaller-scale road improvements under the Specific Grant category.
As regards 2026, regional and local road grant allocations will be finalised following the publication of the Revised Estimates Volume and will take into account the expenditure outturn on projects and programmes in the preceding year. The main focus of the grants continues to be the protection and renewal of the regional and local road network.
