James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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20. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department will give the local authorities affected further funding for emergency works to replace the road network given the severe weather events in County Cork over the past two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22900/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on these roads are funded from Councils’ own resources and supplemented by State Road grants. The Department emphasises to local authorities each year the importance of setting aside a contingency fund to manage events such as severe flooding.

As part of the 2023–24 European windstorm season, Ireland experienced several severe weather events, most noticeably Storm Babet and Storm Bert. Heavy rainfall associated with these events led to widespread flooding in certain areas. Unfortunately, saturated ground conditions and high river levels compounded flooding events, particularly in the south of the country. Consequently, there was damage to parts of the national, regional and local road networks.

At this point, it is important to highlight that the construction and operation of national roads is a matter for TII, in conjunction with the relevant local authorities. In this regard, I understand that Cork County Council has been in contact with TII regarding the impact on the national road network.

Prompt restoration of the road network is essential from a safety perspective as well as maintaining key social and economic connections. I am conscious that significant action is required to restore our critical road infrastructure to active use. As such in 2023, my Department provided €350,000 to Cork County Council to begin some emergency rehabilitation works to facilitate the opening of some key roads for access to schools and communities.

My Department committed to allocating funds for the repair and rehabilitation of the road network as part of the Grant allocations programme and as such, provided funding of over €25 million to Cork County Council for emergency repairs on the regional and local road network in 2024.

The Department continues to engage with Cork County Council, and in 2025 the Council has been allocated €6.8 million for severe weather repairs.

For 2025, we are committed to assisting Cork County Council, where possible from within resources, in managing essential repair works, especially the opening of key roads and bridges. The Department of Transport is continuing to work closely with Cork County Council on this matter.