Road safety and repairs funding up 8% for 2025
An investment programme of €713 million for regional and local roads was announced today for 2025.
This represents an overall increase of over 8% in funding this year for road and safety improvement across Ireland.
Cork is to get an €82.8 million investment in regional and local roads.
As part of the funding, the R595 Old Court, Skibbereen to Baltimore realignment in county Cork was highlighted under the Specific Grant category for smaller-scale road improvements.
Announcing the investment today were Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien, Minister of State Seán Canney, and Minister of State Jerry Buttimer.
Minister O’Brien said his main priority was the ongoing maintenance and renewal of the regional and local road network, alongside strategic investment in developing and improving the road infrastructure network.
He said: “Rehabilitation and maintenance is fundamental to keeping the network in a good condition, and a significant increase in funding has been provided for in 2025, with most of the funding going towards restoration of the network. This is essential for maintaining social and economic connectivity, linking people and places across the country.”
In addition to maintaining the current road network, the minister confirmed that €70 million of the overall sum will be invested in vital strategic projects which are continuing to be progressed.
“These include those identified for development under the National Development Plan such as the Shannon Crossing and Killaloe Bypass project in Killaloe and Ballina, and the Coonagh to Knockalisheen Distributor Road in Limerick city,” said Mr O’Brien.
As part of the €70 million investment, more than €20 million is being allocated under the Specific Grant category for smaller-scale road improvements. These grants will fund a variety of projects, including bridge repairs, junction reconfigurations, and initiatives to reduce traffic congestion in towns. They will also aim to enhance access to educational institutions, businesses, and public transport.
Cork South-Central TD and Minister of State with responsibility for Rural Transport, Jerry Buttimer, said: “This funding will support and enhance towns, villages, and communities the length and breadth of the State. It’s an investment that will boost connectivity, support businesses, and make daily commutes to school, work, and other activities easier and safer for families.”
Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, Seán Canney, added: “This crucial funding will enhance road safety, with funding being allocated for over 330 safety projects this year, an increase of 20% from last year.
“In response to the constant environmental challenges, we are designating €16.5 million for 315 projects focused on climate change adaptation to ensure the long-term sustainability and resilience of our roads. Projects to be completed in 2025 under the Climate Adaptation grant vary from flood alleviation works at Castleblayney, county Monaghan, to seawall protection works at Aillroe/Erribul, county Clare,” said Mr Canney.
The Department of Transport also confirmed that it will continue to offer grant assistance to Local Authorities for the implementation of reduced speed limits on rural local roads.