Willie O'Dea
Ceist:128. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Transport the efforts his Department is making to improve the country’s road network. [15558/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 26 February 2026
Ceisteanna (128)
Freagraí scríofa
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. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority.
As outlined in the 2026 Regional and Local Roads Grant Programme which I announced on the 17th of February this year, the Government is strongly committed to protecting the existing regional and local road network. This network is fundamental in maintaining social and economic connectivity, linking people and places across the country.
Ireland's regional and local road network spans over 96,000kms. The network requires significant funding to ensure it remains fit for purpose, safe and resilient. As such, €718 million has been allocated to regional and local road grants in 2026, with approximately 90% of this funding being directed towards maintenance and renewal works. This will facilitate an increase in funding allocation of €26 million this year for road protection and renewal works.
This funding will support local authorities in carrying out an extensive 2026 programme of maintenance and restoration works. Funding also supports various safety improvement works, bridge rehabilitation schemes, drainage works, climate adaptation measures and community involvement projects.
In addition to maintenance, targeted improvements are a priority. In 2026, €50 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, the Coonagh to Knockalisheen Distributor Road and the R498 Nenagh/Thurles (Latteragh) Upgrade.
Furthermore, €20 million is also being provided for smaller-scale road improvements under the Specific Grant category.
It should be noted that Exchequer funding is intended to supplement realistic contributions from local authorities’ own resources. As the statutory road authorities, it is open to local authorities to prioritise investment on regional and local roads.
Full details of the 2026 regional and local grant allocations are available at https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-transport/press-releases/ministers-for-transport-announce-over-15-billion-for-national-regional-and-local-roads/.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you in relation to this.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.