The Department of Transport will provide over €1.5 billion in exchequer funding for national, regional and local roads in 2026. This represents a 13% increase in road funding over 2025.

The almost €800 million allocation for national roads includes:

• €659 million in exchequer capital funding through Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII)
• €104 million for national roads under Public Private Partnerships
• approximately €33 million for regular maintenance of national roads, provided to local authorities.

TII will allocate funding to protect and renew the existing national road network across the country, funding road safety improvements, pavement and bridge renewal, and climate-resilience measures. It will also progress the new national road projects identified in the National Development Plan and the Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport, including the Adare Bypass, N5 Ballaghaderreen-Scramoge, and M28 Cork-Ringaskiddy.

The €718 million allocation for regional and local roads will allow approximately 2,800kms of roads to be maintained and 2,330kms to be improved. The funding includes:

• €50 million for strategic road improvement projects, including projects identified for development under the National Development Plan
• €20 million in Specific Grants for smaller scale road improvements, including: bridgeworks; safety measures such as junction reconfiguration; and schemes to alleviate traffic congestion in towns. Funded projects in 2026 include: the safety scheme on the R332 Kilbannon, Co. Galway; the rehabilitation of Archdeacon Duggan Bridge in Co. Cork; and the Kilkelly Relief Road in Co. Mayo.  A total of 99 projects in this category will be funded in 2026
• €16.5 million for 294 projects under the Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Programme
• €14 million for 280 low-cost road safety projects, targeting remedial measures to improve road safety for vulnerable road users and vehicular traffic.

Minister Darragh O’Brien said:

“Advancing the new national road projects in the current National Development Plan  and the Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport is a priority for this government, along with the protection and renewal of the existing national, regional and local road network. Government is committed to assisting affected local authorities with financial support to assist with 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.

“The allocations I’m announcing today will enable multiple major new road projects on the national road network to progress, including those that are at or are close to construction. This will enable greater connectivity across our country, support economic development, and deliver safer roads and less congested towns and communities.

“Projects such as the N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge, the M28 and the Adare Bypass, which are currently in construction, demonstrate the clear commitment to the ongoing development of our national road network. Taken together with the new road projects which are at an earlier stage of the project lifecycle, an increased number of new national roads projects have been allocated funding this year.

“A new two-year work programme under the Community Involvement Scheme for regional and local roads is starting this year with €16.2 million being allocated to the scheme in 2026. This is an increase of €1.4 million in funding from last year, upholding the Programme for Government commitment to increase funding for the Community Involvement Scheme.”

Minister Canney said: “Today’s funding allocations ensure that our primary focus of protecting and maintaining the existing road network so that it remains safe, resilient and capable of meeting the needs of all road users – including freight operators, public transport, and other road users – is to the fore. This funding also supports essential road safety improvements, which are critical to delivering our Road Safety Strategy. Over recent decades, substantial investment has been made in the regional and local road network, strengthening regional connectivity and supporting economic growth across the country.

“Reducing speed limits and making roads safer, in support of the Government commitment of Vision Zero, remains a priority. The Department of Transport will also continue to offer grant assistance to local authorities for the implementation of reduced speed limits as per the speed limit review.”

Minister Buttimer said: “As Minister with responsibility for Rural Transport, I recognise the critical role played by the regional and local road network in ensuring that all parts of Ireland are connected. A safe and efficient road network enables those living in rural communities to connect to work, education and healthcare. In addition, it also facilitates the improved bus services that operate across rural Ireland. The funding announced today will help to protect and enhance this vital national asset for all our citizens.

“The allocation of €718 million for regional and local roads will strengthen and support towns, villages and communities right across the country. It’s an investment that will improve connectivity, help local businesses thrive, and make everyday journeys to school, work and community activities safer and more convenient for families.”