National roads in Donegal to benefit from €23,092,382 funding

National roads in Donegal will benefit from €23,092,382 in funding for maintenance and repair work this year.

Senator Manus Boyle welcomed the announcement that €1.5 billion is being provided to local authorities nationwide for regular maintenance of national, regional and local roads around the country. This represents a 13% increase in road funding over 2025.

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Senator Boyle said: “I am delighted to see that €23,092,382 funding has been allocated to Donegal County Council for essential national road repair works across Donegal. The continued safety for all road users is a key priority for Fine Gael in government and key to that is the protection and regeneration of our existing national road network.”

“The allocation for protection and renewal of the existing national road network will fund a range of activities including road safety improvements, pavement renewal, maintenance of bridges and structures, and measures to ensure the network can withstand the increased number of severe weather events.”

The €718 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 County 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 and €14 million for 280 low-cost road safety projects, targeting remedial measures to improve road safety for vulnerable road users and vehicular traffic.

€800 million of the overall allocation will be spent on national roads and includes €659 million in exchequer capital funding through Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), €104 million for national roads under Public Private Partnerships and approximately €33 million for regular maintenance of national roads, provided to local authorities.

Minister of State with responsibility for Rural Transport, Jerry Buttimer, said: “As Minister with responsibility for Rural Transport, I recognise the critical role played by the national 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.”