Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2026
153. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Transport his plans to upgrade or make safer the R725 between Gorey, County Wexford and Tullow, County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53205/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFor this year, Carlow County Council received an allocation of €75,000, under the Regional and Local Roads Grant Programme, for the R418/R725 Tullow Safety Enhancement Scheme.
This scheme, which is at the early design stage, aims to provide a new link road between the R725 and R418, with improved cycle and pedestrian facilities. It is further intended to streamline the transportation of heavy goods vehicles originating from the business park and other local businesses in Tullow itself.
My Department has not received any further applications from local authorities for road improvement works on the R725 between Gorey, County Wexford and Tullow, County Carlow.
In accordance with Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993, as amended, the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority. Work on such roads is funded from Councils' own resources, supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of work to be funded is a matter for local authorities.
The primary focus for capital investment under my Department's Regional and Local Roads Grant Programme continues to be the protection and renewal of the regional and local road network, with limited investment in road improvement projects.
Any road improvement projects proposed by local authorities for consideration for funding are assessed by my Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects put forward by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines and my 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.
