Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 June 2025
145. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider additional funding allocation for local authorities during 2025 to address the need for improvements on local and regional roads across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34030/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority and Exchequer funding is intended to supplement local authorities’ own resources.
On 14th February 2025 I announced an Exchequer investment of €713 million in our regional and local roads across the State which represents an overall increase of over 8% in funding this year. The main focus of the grants continues to be the protection and renewal of the regional and local road network.
This funding will support local authorities in carrying out an extensive 2025 programme of maintenance and restoration works. Funding also supports various safety improvement works, bridge rehabilitation schemes, drainage works, climate adaptation measures, community involvement schemes and the maintenance of former national roads.
In addition to protecting and renewing the regional and local road network, it is a priority to carry out targeted improvements to sections of the network. In 2025, €47.8 million is being invested in developing and upgrading this infrastructure through vital strategic projects which are continuing to be progressed. These include projects identified for development under the National Development Plan such as the Tralee Northern Relief Road and the Coonagh to Knockalisheen Distributor Road.
An additional 22.2 million is provided for smaller-scale road improvements under the Specific Grant category.
It should be noted that Exchequer funding for regional and local roads is intended to supplement realistic contributions from local authorities’ own resources. As the statutory road authorities for their areas, it is open to local authorities to prioritise investment on regional and local roads.
