Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 November 2025
255. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if additional funding will be made available to local authorities to address damage to local and regional roads caused by extreme weather events; the total level of such funding over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67114/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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, which are supplemented by State grants for regional and local roads. The Department of Transport also emphasises to local authorities the importance of setting aside a contingency fund to manage unforeseen events such as severe flooding.
As outlined in the 2025 Regional and Local Roads programme which I released on the 14th of February this year, the Government is strongly committed to protecting the existing regional and local road network. This network is fundamental in connecting people and places across the country.
In line with established practice, local authorities are advised by my Department that a contingency provision should be reserved from the overall resources available to each authority for regional and local roads so as to deal with damage caused by severe weather conditions.
In addition, local authorities may carry out repairs from the regional and local road grants available to them and from their own resources and in this context, it is open to each Council to determine and reprioritise its work programme following severe weather events.
As part of the 2023–24 European windstorm season, Ireland experienced several severe weather events, most noticeably Storm Babet, causing considerable damage to the regional and local road network. The Department continues to engage with local authorities, and in 2025 €10 million has been allocated for severe weather repairs.
As regards the funding allocated to and drawn down by local authorities for severe weather repairs over the past five years, details of the regional and local road allocations, and payments to local authorities are outlined in the regional and local road allocations and payments booklets which are available on the Oireachtas Digital Library.
