Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 April 2026
175. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport whether the roads allocation for Louth County Council will be increased this year in view of the rise in costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31245/26]
View answerMy Department continues to work closely with all local authorities on this matter and is aware that oil price increases may impact contracts, contract prices, and outputs. Where applicable, mechanisms within contracts for price variation can be utilised by contracting authorities. Road maintenance and rehabilitation is heavily dependent on oil products and bitumen and it is acknowledged that this work is affected by the increasing cost of materials.
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.
For 2026, €718 million was allocated, through State road grants, for the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads, with approximately 90% of this funding allocated to road maintenance and renewal and the remainder directed towards new roads, bridges, and road realignments. This total allocation will facilitate an increase in funding of €26 million this year for road protection and renewal work.
Louth County Council was allocated a total of €10,810,650. Of this, €10,040,650 was allocated for the protection and renewal of Louth's regional and local roads. This is an increase from the initial 2025 allocation of €9,714,550 for protection and renewal grants.
I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to our National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2015 and in line with our 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 the national roads allocation for Louth County Council in 2026.
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.
