The Darragh O’Brien and Ministers for Transport have announced €1.5 million in funding for national, regional and local roads, as part of a broader roads package that represents a 13% increase compared to 2025.
Major allocation for regional and local roads
A total of €718 million has been allocated for regional and local roads. This will allow:
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2,800km of roads to be maintained
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2,330km of roads to be improved
The package includes:
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€50m for strategic road improvement projects under the National Development Plan
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€20m in Specific Grants for smaller-scale improvements
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€18m for bridge rehabilitation
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€350m for pavement strengthening
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€16.2m for Community Involvement Schemes
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€70m for Specific and Strategic Regional and Local Roads Projects
A total of 99 projects will be funded in 2026 under the smaller-scale grant category.
Among the projects named are:
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Safety works on the R332 Kilbannon (Co. Galway)
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Rehabilitation of Archdeacon Duggan Bridge (Co. Cork)
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Kilkelly Relief Road (Co. Mayo)
National road projects progressing
Minister O’Brien said progressing major projects under the National Development Plan remains a government priority. Projects currently under construction include:
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N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge
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M28
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Adare Bypass
He also confirmed that the Department is working with counties affected by Storm Chandra to assess damage and provide financial support for remediation.
Political reaction
Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae described the funding as a “decisive step change” in restoring Ireland’s road network, arguing that rural areas had suffered from underinvestment in recent years.
He said communities want practical improvements: safer roads, resurfacing works and long-delayed projects finally moving forward.
What this means
The increased funding is aimed at:
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Improving connectivity nationwide
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Reducing congestion in towns
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Strengthening road safety
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Supporting economic development
With both maintenance and new construction funded, the government says this marks a significant push to modernise Ireland’s road infrastructure in 2026.