Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 February 2026
256. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide significant emergency funding for Carlow and Kilkenny to repair and reconstruct roads damaged by recent flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15942/26]
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.
On 17th February I announced an Exchequer investment of €718 million in our regional and local roads across the State. This will facilitate an increase in funding allocation of €26 million this year for road protection and renewal works.
In 2026, Carlow County Council has been allocated a total of €9,707,625. Of this, €8,447,625 has been allocated for the protection and renewal of Carlow's regional and local roads. This is an increase from the initial 2025 allocation of €8,196,800 for protection and renewal grants. Kilkenny County Council has been allocated a total of €21,736,125. Of this, €19,566,125 has been allocated for the protection and renewal of Kilkenny's regional and local roads. This is an increase from the initial 2025 allocation of €19,020,700 for protection and renewal grants.
Government is committed to assisting affected local authorities in the aftermath of Storm Chandra. My Department is liaising with affected counties, who are continuing to compile and assess damage on the ground to enable proper estimation of the total damage caused and the estimated cost of remediation.
It should be noted that Exchequer funding for regional and local roads is intended to supplement realistic contributions from local authorities’ own resources. Local authorities are also advised to set aside a contingency from Department allocations and own resources for severe weather events. As the statutory road authorities for their areas, it is also open to local authorities to prioritise investment on regional and local roads.
