BREAKING: Funding allocated for major works on Tullamore Kilbeggan N52 route

FINANCE has been allocated for the upgrading of the Tullamore to Kilbeggan route in the national, regional and local roads funding for 2026 announced at lunchtime.

A total of €500,000 has been allocated for the project and a further €500,00 has been allocated for the Birr Distributor Road and €375,000 works works at Monasterosis, Edenderry.

Welcoming the announcement, Deputy Tony McCormack said: “This funding represents a very positive investment in Offaly’s transport infrastructure and demonstrates continued Government commitment to improving our road network.

“The allocation for the N52 Tullamore to Kilbeggan Link is particularly significant. Advancing the design and planning stage brings this important project closer to construction and will ultimately deliver safer roads, reduced congestion and better connectivity for commuters, businesses and local communities."

Deputy John Clendennen commented: “I am delighted to see that almost €17million in funding has been allocated to Offaly County Council for essential roads works across the county. The continued safety for all road users is a key priority for Fine Gael in government and key to that is the protection and regeneration of our existing road network.

“The allocation for protection and renewal of the existing national road network will fund a range of activities including road safety improvements, pavement renewal, maintenance of bridges and structures, and measures to ensure the network can withstand the increased number of severe weather events.”

Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien, Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, Seán Canney and Minister of State with responsibility for Rural Transport Jerry Buttimer today announced that the Department of Transport will provide over €1.5 billion in exchequer funding for national, regional and local roads in 2026. This represents a 13% increase in road funding over 2025.

The almost €800 million allocation for national roads includes:

€659 million in exchequer capital funding through Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII)

€104 million for national roads under Public Private Partnerships

approximately €33 million for regular maintenance of national roads, provided to local authorities.

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TII will allocate funding to protect and renew the existing national road network across the country, funding road safety improvements, pavement and bridge renewal, and climate-resilience measures. It will also progress the new national road projects identified in the National Development Plan and the Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport, including the Adare Bypass, N5 Ballaghaderreen-Scramoge, and M28 Cork-Ringaskiddy.

The €718 million allocation for regional and local roads will allow approximately 2,800kms of roads to be maintained and 2,330kms to be improved. The funding includes:

€50 million for strategic road improvement projects, including projects identified for development under the National Development Plan

€20 million in Specific Grants for smaller scale road improvements, including: bridgeworks; safety measures such as junction reconfiguration; and schemes to alleviate traffic congestion in towns. Funded projects in 2026 include: the safety scheme on the R332 Kilbannon, Co. Galway; the rehabilitation of Archdeacon Duggan Bridge in Co. Cork; and the Kilkelly Relief Road in Co. Mayo. A total of 99 projects in this category will be funded in 2026

€16.5 million for 294 projects under the Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Programme

€14 million for 280 low-cost road safety projects, targeting remedial measures to improve road safety for vulnerable road users and vehicular traffic.

Minister 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.”

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Minister Canney said: “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 Buttimer said: “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.”

National roads projects funded include:

N2 Ardee to South of Castleblaney

N2 Clontibret to the Border

N2 Rath Roundabout to Kilmoon Cross

N2 Slane Bypass

N3 Virginia Bypass

N4 Carrick-on-Shannon to Dromod

N4 Mullingar to Longford

N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge

N6 Galway City Ring Road

N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare

N17 Knock to Collooney

N/M20 Cork to Limerick

N21 Abbeyfeale Relief Road

N21 Newcastle West Relief Road

N21/69 Limerick to Foynes (including Adare Bypass)

N22 Farranfore to Killarney

N24 Cahir to Limerick Junction (including Tipperary Bypass)

N24 Waterford to Cahir

N25 Carrigtwohill to Midleton

N25 Midleton to Youghal (Castlemartyr and Killeagh Bypasses)

N25 Waterford to Glenmore

M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy

N52 Ardee Bypass

N52 Tullamore to Kilbeggan

N58 Foxford Bypass

N59 Clifden to Maam Cross

N72/73 Mallow Relief Road

Cork City Northern Transport Project

Donegal TEN-T Route Improvement Project

The main features of the 2026 investment programme for Regional and Local roads include:

• €350m for road pavement strengthening works;

• €77m for preventative surface dressing work;

• €86m for maintenance and strengthening works for which local authorities have discretion in the selection of roads;

• €70m for Specific and Strategic Regional and Local Roads Projects;

• €18m for bridge rehabilitation works;

• €14m for safety improvement works;

• €18m for drainage works;

• €16.2m for Community Involvement Schemes;

• €16.5m for climate change adaptation/resilience works;

• €12m for Strategic Rehabilitation Regional Road; and

• Miscellaneous grants are also provided during the year for a number of projects and pilot initiatives including speed limits, salt purchase, training, asset management and conducting pavement surveys.

Eight NDP projects have been completed to date and other strategic projects currently at construction stage include:

Coonagh to Knockalisheen Distributor Road

Tralee Northern Relief Road

R498 Nenagh/Thurles (Latteragh) Upgrade

Athenry Relief Road

In line with established practice, local authorities are advised each year by the Department to set aside a minimum of 10% contingency from their annual Discretionary Grant allocation to deal with severe weather events and damage to the network as they arise.