Peter 'Chap' Cleere
Ceist:118. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Transport when the 2026 grant allocations to local authorities for roads will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2670/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 15 January 2026
Ceisteanna (118)
Freagraí scríofa
I want to thank the Deputy for his question.
The 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 supplemented by State road grants.
€713 million was allocated to Regional and Local Road Grants in 2025, with approximately 90% of this funding being directed towards maintenance and renewal works. This represents an overall increase of over 8% in funding on 2024.
As part of this investment in 2025, €47.8 million was allocated to developing and upgrading this infrastructure through vital strategic projects, including projects identified for development under the NDP such as the Tralee Northern Relief Road and the Coonagh to Knockalisheen Distributor Road. Furthermore, €22.2 million was allocated to smaller-scale road improvements under the Specific Grant category.
As regards 2026, grant allocations will be notified to local authorities in the coming weeks. The main focus of the grants will continue to be the protection and renewal of the network.
With regard to National Roads, approximately €502m of exchequer capital funding was allocated to local authorities in 2025, for both Protection and Renewal and construction of New Roads through Transport Infrastructure Ireland. In addition, €98m has been provided for National Roads under Public Private Partnerships. This represents an increase in capital funding of approximately €40m from 2024.
This funding allowed for the progression of several important projects in 2025, including construction of the N5 Ballaghadereen to Scramoge and the Adare Bypass, and those at an earlier stage in the project lifecycle.
As Minister, I have overall responsibility for the allocation of exchequer funding for National Roads. As part of the annual allocations process, TII prepare an allocations booklet listing funding for each project in the coming year. This is based on the ongoing prioritisation process which takes place between TII and local authorities. Allocations for National Roads in 2026 will be announced in the coming weeks.