Louis O'Hara
Ceist:113. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the remaining sections of the Athenry relief road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15161/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 26 February 2026
Ceisteanna (113)
Freagraí scríofa
I want to thank the Deputy for his question.
As the Deputy is aware, 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 these roads are funded from Councils’ own resources and supplemented by State Road grants. Of these grants, the vast majority (approximately 90%) are targeted at the maintenance and renewal of the network with c. 10% of the remaining funding invested in new roads/bridges or for road realignments.
It is important to highlight that any new road projects that seek State funding are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects proposed by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines and the Department's Transport Appraisal Framework. Given the limited funding available for regional and local road improvement works it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind.
To date, two of the four sections of the Athenry Relief Road have been constructed. Funding was provided in 2025 to facilitate the construction of the third section which will connect the previous two sections already constructed.
The contract was awarded in 2025 for the third section following the conclusion of the tender process, and the construction programme is underway. The implementation of this project is the responsibility of Galway County Council.
On 17th February, I announced the 2026 allocations in which Galway County Council received an allocation of €2 million for the Athenry Relief Road to continue construction of the third section.
The Department has provided funding to Galway County Council to undertake surveys to allow the development of the preliminary design including aspects of the bridge works required to facilitate the final section of the relief road. This work has been progressed in conjunction with Irish Rail and the cost of the final section is being assessed.