Road Network

Thursday, 21 May 2026

Questions (191, 192)

Malcolm Byrne

Question:

191. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding promised additional roads funding for Wicklow County Council to repair roads damaged by Storm Chandra. [38660/26]

View answer

Malcolm Byrne

Question:

192. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding promised additional roads funding for Wexford County Council to repair roads damaged by Storm Chandra. [38661/26]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 191 and 192 together.

My Department has liaised with those local authorities affected by Storm Chandra on damage caused and remediation needed and is now looking at means to address it.

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 has been 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.

All funding available through the 2026 Regional and Local Road Grant Programme was allocated to local authorities in February this year. Such allocations should supplement realistic contributions from local authorities’ own resources.

Local authorities are advised to set aside a contingency, from Department allocations and its own resources, for severe weather events.

Question No. 192 answered with Question No. 191.