Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 April 2026
136. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport the current position regarding road safety on national and regional roads in Waterford and the wider south east, including planned improvement works and investment priorities; and the steps he will take to address ongoing safety concerns. [31321/26]
View answerThe Government is committed to reducing road deaths and creating safer roads for everyone in Ireland.
In accordance with Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993, as amended, the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority. Work on such roads is funded from Councils' own resources, supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of work to be funded is a matter for local authorities.
My Department provides grant assistance to local authorities under the Regional and Local Road Grant Programme for a number of targeted programmes, including the Safety Improvement Works Programme. Applications are sought each year from local authorities under this programme for consideration for funding in the subsequent year. The schemes for inclusion in the application are decided by the local authorities and submitted in order of priority.
This year, funding of €14 million has been allocated under the Safety Improvement Works Grant Programme to regional and local roads for 288 schemes across the State. This is an increase of approximately 7.7% on the 2025 allocation. Of this, Waterford City and County Council received an allocation of €497,000. A further €12.4 million of the Specific Improvement Grant Programme was allocated to road improvement schemes related to road safety across the State.
The National Vehicle and Driver File Bill 2025, on enactment, will enable my Department and local authorities to identify locations of interest across the country and areas for investment and improvement.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to our National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with our National Development Plan, 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 national roads in Waterford and the wider south east.
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.
