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

I thank the Deputy for his question. I am pleased that the Government has earmarked €5.1 billion for capital spending on new national roads projects from 2021 to 2030 as part of the national development plan, NDP. For the information of the House, we have commenced our review of the NDP. I will seek additional funds for the capital side of my Department. As it currently stands, a further €2.9 billion has been earmarked for the protection and renewal of the existing network.

In addition, I can confirm that approximately €600 million of Exchequer capital funds were provided to Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII, for national roads in 2025. Kerry County Council received €10.2 million for protection and renewal of national roads and €3 million for the construction of new national roads from this overall allocation. The protection and renewal budget will allow for the progression of numerous road improvement works, such as pavement renewal and measures to improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians on the national road network in Kerry. Allocations have also been provided to upgrade the N86 between Tralee and Dingle, and, as the Deputy knows, to continue the development of the N22 Farranfore to Killarney project. A number of new national roads projects, which are included in the current NDP have been delivered, including a bypass of Listowel.

With regard to regional and local roads, each local authority has statutory responsibility, in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act, for the improvement and maintenance of their regional and local roads. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources and are supplemented by State road grants. Of these grants, the vast majority, approximately 90%, are targeted at the maintenance and renewal of the network with approximately 10% of the remaining funding invested in new roads and bridges.

In 2025, Kerry County Council was allocated €33.36 million for the maintenance and improvement of their regional and local roads network, which is an increase of more than €3.2 million, or 10.7%, on its 2024 allocation. Of this, €28 million was allocated to road protection and renewal.

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