Ryan O'Meara (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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279. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding provisions that have been made under the National Development Plan for roads projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60176/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. The Government has earmarked €5.1bn for capital spending on new national roads projects from 2021 to 2030 as part of the NDP. Under the NDP, funding is being provided for the construction of new national road projects and the protection and renewal of the existing national road network. This funding will enable improved regional accessibility across the country as well as compact growth, which are key National Strategic Outcomes.

Approximately €502 million of exchequer capital funds have been allocated for national roads through TII to local authorities in 2025. This funding is enabling construction to continue on major new road projects currently under construction, such as the M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy, the N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge, and the Adare Bypass, as well as for projects at an earlier stage of development. It is also funding countless interventions on the existing national road network to improve safety and ensure that the investment that has taken place in the network over recent decades is safeguarded.

With regard to the regional and local road network, in 2025 €70m is being invested in developing and upgrading this infrastructure through vital strategic and specific projects which are continuing to be progressed on a number of strategically important road projects, including 12 projects identified for development under the National Development Plan.

Any new road projects that seek State funding are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects proposed by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines (formerly the Public Spending Code) and the Department's Transport Appraisal Framework. Given the limited funding available for regional and local road improvement works it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind.

To date 8 of the NDP schemes have been completed including the Shannon Crossing, Killaloe Bypass and R494 Upgrade, the Athy Southern Distributor Road, the Sallins Bypass and the Sligo Western Distributor Road along with the Laytown to Bettystown Link Road.

Other projects are at construction stage, namely the Tralee Northern Relief Road, and Coonagh Knockalisheen Distributor Road in Limerick City.

Also included is €20 million 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.

The National Development Plan Review 2025 was published in July of this year. This sets out capital ceilings for transport to 2030. My department will now progress the sectoral plan for the 2026 to 2030 period, which will be published later this year and which will inform road scheme priorities in the coming years.