Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2026
244. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to make emergency funding available to Kerry County Council to address a bridge (details supplied) that requires emergency works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13808/26]
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.
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.
Local authorities were notified of the Department's regional and local road allocations for 2026 on 17th February. Kerry County Council has been allocated €900,000 under the Bridge Rehabilitation Programme which includes funding of €40,000 for the Gearha Beaufort Bridge.
Full details of the 2026 regional and local grant allocations are available at www.gov.ie/en/department-of-transport/press-releases/ministers-for-transport-announce-over-15-billion-for-national-regional-and-local-roads/
