Ireland's Minister for Transport, Darragh O'Brien, together with Ministers of State Seán Canney and Jerry Buttimer, has confirmed more than €1.5 billion in Exchequer funding for national, regional and local roads in 2026 — a 13% uplift on 2025 — signalling a strong pipeline of civils and maintenance work for contractors and local authorities nationwide.

For national roads, almost €800 million is allocated, comprising €659 million in capital funding delivered through Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), €104 million for Public Private Partnership commitments, and approximately €33 million for routine maintenance provided to local authorities. TII's 2026 programme covers network protection and renewal (including pavement and bridge works), road safety upgrades and climate-resilience measures, alongside continued progression of National Development Plan and Sectoral Investment Plan schemes such as the Adare Bypass, N5 Ballaghaderreen–Scramoge and M28 Cork–Ringaskiddy.

Regional and local roads receive €718 million, enabling maintenance of approximately 2,800 kilometres and improvements to a further 2,330 kilometres. The package includes €50 million for strategic improvements aligned to the National Development Plan; €20 million in Specific Grants for smaller-scale projects such as bridge rehabilitation, junction reconfiguration and town decongestion schemes (notably the R332 Kilbannon safety scheme in Co Galway, Archdeacon Duggan Bridge rehabilitation in Co Cork, and the Kilkelly Relief Road in Co Mayo — 99 projects in total); €16.5 million for 294 projects under the Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Programme; and €14 million for 280 low-cost road safety schemes targeting remedial measures.

The funding will be channelled via TII and local authorities, with PPP allocations sustaining long-term contractual obligations. County-by-county breakdowns, including regional and local road grant allocations, have been published, with National Roads allocations accessible from TII. A 2026 Allocations by County document is also available.

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Minister for Transport, Darragh O'Brien, said: "Advancing the new national road projects in the current National Development Plan and the Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport is a priority for this government, along with the protection and renewal of the existing national, regional and local road network. Government is committed to assisting affected local authorities with financial support to assist with the aftermath of Storm Chandra. My Department is liaising with affected counties, who are continuing to compile and assess damage on the ground to enable proper estimation of the total damage caused and the estimated cost of remediation.

"The allocations I'm announcing today will enable multiple major new road projects on the national road network to progress, including those that are at or are close to construction. This will enable greater connectivity across our country, support economic development, and deliver safer roads and less congested towns and communities.

"Projects such as the N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge, the M28 and the Adare Bypass, which are currently in construction, demonstrate the clear commitment to the ongoing development of our national road network. Taken together with the new road projects which are at an earlier stage of the project lifecycle, an increased number of new national roads projects have been allocated funding this year.

"A new two-year work programme under the Community Involvement Scheme for regional and local roads is starting this year with €16.2 million being allocated to the scheme in 2026. This is an increase of €1.4 million in funding from last year, upholding the Programme for Government commitment to increase funding for the Community Involvement Scheme."

Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, Seán Canney, added: "Today's funding allocations ensure that our primary focus of protecting and maintaining the existing road network so that it remains safe, resilient and capable of meeting the needs of all road users – including freight operators, public transport, and other road users – is to the fore. This funding also supports essential road safety improvements, which are critical to delivering our Road Safety Strategy. Over recent decades, substantial investment has been made in the regional and local road network, strengthening regional connectivity and supporting economic growth across the country.

"Reducing speed limits and making roads safer, in support of the Government commitment of Vision Zero, remains a priority. The Department of Transport will also continue to offer grant assistance to local authorities for the implementation of reduced speed limits as per the speed limit review."

Minister of State with responsibility for Rural Transport Jerry Buttimer, concluded: "As Minister with responsibility for Rural Transport, I recognise the critical role played by the regional and local road network in ensuring that all parts of Ireland are connected. A safe and efficient road network enables those living in rural communities to connect to work, education and healthcare. In addition, it also facilitates the improved bus services that operate across rural Ireland. The funding announced today will help to protect and enhance this vital national asset for all our citizens.

"The allocation of €718 million for regional and local roads will strengthen and support towns, villages and communities right across the country. It's an investment that will improve connectivity, help local businesses thrive, and make everyday journeys to school, work and community activities safer and more convenient for families."