Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 January 2026
146. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Transport the status and projected timelines for national and regional road projects in County Mayo that have experienced delays; whether he accepts that continued delays are adversely affecting road safety and economic development in the county; the reasons for these delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2353/26]
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.
In 2025, Mayo County Council received an allocation of €40,566,060 for the maintenance and improvement of their regional and local roads network of which over €37m was allocated to road protection and renewal. Mayo County Council received an allocation of €1,175,000 for six Specific Grant schemes and an allocation of €1,400,000 for two Strategic Regional and Local Road schemes; the R332 Kilmaine to Tuam; and the Cong Outer Relief Road.
Under the Infrastructure Guidelines and the Department's Transport Appraisal Framework, capital projects are subject to review and approval at a number of stages. In this context, my Department gave approval in mid-December for the local authority to proceed to tender for the main construction contract for the R332 Kilmaine to Tuam scheme.
Planning and implementation of the annual roads works programme is the responsibility of Mayo County Council.
Grant allocations for 2026 will be notified to local authorities in the coming weeks.
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 planning, design and construction 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 on the status of national road projects in County Mayo.
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.
