Louth County Council welcome over €22 million in road funding

Louth County Council has welcomed the announcement by the Department of Transport of €22,456,092 in funding for national, regional and local roads in 2026.

The funding includes €10 million for the pavement reconstruction on the N53 between Hackballscross and Rassan.

The funding is part of an overall package of more than €1.5 billion in national funding for roads, representing a 13% increase on 2025.

The county will receive €10,810,650 for regional and local roads, which includes resurfacing, pavement upgrades, general repairs, drainage works and climate adaptation measures at Ballintesik, Thomastown and Howes Hill.

A significant programme of bridge rehabilitation is also planned, with works to take place at Monavalet, Dungooly, Ballyragan, Ballykelly and Annagassan.

Safety upgrades will be delivered at a number of key locations, including the R132 in Dunleer, Carrickcarnan, the R166 in Termonfeckin, Collon, Grangebellew, Lordship, the Ardee Road in Dundalk, Orchard Villas in Termonfeckin and Old Golf Links Road in Blackrock.

These schemes will improve junction layouts, road markings, signage and visibility for all road users. In addition, €540,000 has been assigned for the strategic rehabilitation of the R215, the former N52 route.

One of the most significant inclusions in this year’s regional and local roads programme is the continued development of the Port Access Northern Cross Route (PANCR) in Drogheda. Funding of €350,000 for Phase 3 of the PANCR represents a major step forward in the delivery of this long-awaited strategic route in terms of progressing to the detailed design stage.

A further allocation of €350,000 is available for the R178 Cavan to Dundalk scheme, bringing the total strategic regional and local road allocation to €700,000.

Louth’s national road network will also benefit from significant investment, with €11,645,442 allocated by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). This includes the largest individual road project in the region: a €10 million pavement reconstruction scheme on the N53 between Hackballscross and Rassan.

In addition, €292,442 has been allocated for routine and winter maintenance, together with continued investment in lighting and engineering supports across Louth’s national road network.

Additional capital investment funding of €1.15 million will support pavement works on the N52 at Bóthar na mBó and safety and junction improvements on the N2 at the R169 Junction and Castle Street in Ardee. 

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Cllr Seán Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, said: “This year’s allocation represents a major opportunity to enhance the transport network in Louth. It will bring benefits to every part of the county by improving surface conditions, addressing long-standing safety concerns and strengthening the network’s resilience to severe weather. The inclusion of the PANCR, the realignment of the N53, and continued and significant improvement works on the N52 demonstrate the Council’s focus on advancing projects that support long-term growth and connectivity across the whole county.”

David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council, said: “We welcome this significant Government investment in Louth’s road network. This level of funding allows us to deliver real and lasting improvements right across the county. We appreciate the strong support shown by our national partners, and we look forward to working with them to ensure these projects are delivered efficiently and to the highest standard for the people of Louth.”

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.