Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Déanaim comhghairdeas leis an Leas-Cheann Comhairle as ucht a phoist nua. Congratulations on your new post, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle.

I thank the Deputy for his question as I know that this is a matter of interest to him and to many Deputies within the House. I certainly know that by the number of queries that I have received over the past week or so. The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, as the Deputy will be aware, in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads funded from councils' own resources are supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority. They send their submissions up to the Department.

As outlined in the 2025 regional and local roads grant programme, which I announced on 14 February this year, the Government is strongly committed to protecting the existing regional and local road network. This network is fundamental in maintaining social and economic connectivity, linking people and places across the country. Ireland's regional and local road network spans 96,000 km. The network requires significant funding to ensure it remains fit for purpose, safe and resilient. As such, €713 million has been allocated to regional and local road grants in 2025, with approximately 90% of this funding being directed towards maintenance and renewal works. This represents an overall increase of 8% in funding, year on year. This funding will support local authorities in carrying out an extensive 2025 programme of maintenance and restoration works. Funding also supports various safety improvement works, bridge rehabilitation schemes, drainage works, climate adaptation measures, community involvement projects and the maintenance of former national roads.

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