Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2026
243. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to make emergency funding available to Kerry County Council to address bridges that have been undermined/damaged, which have been reported several times during the past number of years, that require emergency works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13807/26]
View answerAs 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 funding for bridge repairs where the bridge is on the National Road Network.
Earlier this week I announced funding of over €1.5 billion for national, regional and local roads for 2026. This includes an allocation through TII of almost €659 million in exchequer capital funding for national roads for both Protection and Renewal and New Roads. A further €33million in current funding was allocated to local authorities for their regular maintenance activities on the National Road Network.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply in relation to funding for bridge repairs on the National Road network. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
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 Road grants. Of these grants, the vast majority (approximately 90%) are targeted at the maintenance and renewal of the network with c. 10% of the remaining funding invested in new roads/bridges or for road realignments.
My Department provides grant assistance to local authorities under the Regional and Local Road Grant Programme for a number of targeted programmes, including the Bridge Rehabilitation Programme. Applications are sought each year from local authorities under this programme for consideration for funding in the subsequent year. Councils are made aware of this and are asked to submit applications in order of priority.
This scheme covers projects costing up to €200,000. Larger bridge rehabilitation projects are considered on a case-by-case basis under the Specific Improvement Grant Programme.
In 2026, Kerry County Council were allocated €900,000 under the Bridge Rehabilitation Programme as well as €30,000 under the Specific Improvement Grant Programme for the Gap of Dunloe Bridge.
