Edward Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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109. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the N81 will be upgraded, having never been so previously. [51678/25]

Jerry Buttimer (Cork South-Central, Fine Gael)
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I wish to thank the Deputy for his question as I know that this road is of particular interest to him.

It is for the local authority, as the statutory roads authority, in the first instance, to engage with TII regarding the progression of any proposed national road project.

However it is important to point out that a number of interventions have been funded on the N81 in recent years, including pavement resurfacing works in a number of locations and a road realignment scheme at Knockroe Bends south of Blessington.

Furthermore, a number of road safety interventions on the N81 have received funding allocations this year. This includes an allocation of €400,000 for a realignment of the section of the N81 at Hangman’s Bend, near Stratford-on-Slaney. Technical advisors have been appointed to develop this scheme through a planning application.

Funding has also been allocated to provide traffic calming measures on the N81 adjacent to Hollywood village with the construction contract awarded on 1 July 2025, as well as for smaller safety interventions at Blessington and Baltinglass. Works at Hollywood are underway and will include a new bus stop, improving safety for public transport users.

In addition, Wicklow County Council is procuring contractors to undertake localised resurfacing of sections of the N81 to address poor road surfaces or areas of substandard skidding resistance.

Finally, the funding provided to Wicklow County Council for regional and local roads in 2025 included an allocation for the northern section of the Blessington Inner Relief Road which would assist with traffic flow in the Blessington area, including on the N81.

I hope this information is of assistance to you.