In accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993, each local authority has statutory responsibility for the improvement and maintenance of their regional and local road network. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources and are supplemented by State Road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority. The primary focus for capital investment under the National Development Plan continues to be the protection and renewal of the regional and local road network which plays a critical role in supporting economic and community links throughout the country. For this reason, approximately 90% of the €658 million of State funding being provided in 2024 is aimed at protection and renewal works. This allocation represents a €32 million increase in State funding compared to the 2023 allocation, with each local authority receiving an increase in funding for their Restoration Improvement Grant. In addition, funding for road safety improvement scheme grants also increased in 2024 compared to 2023, up nearly €300,000. In addition to protecting and renewing the regional and local road network, it is a priority to carry out targeted improvements to sections of the network and €677 million is earmarked in the NDP for such improvements on new regional and local roads over the 10 year period until 2030. Road improvement projects proposed by local authorities for consideration for funding will be assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects put forward by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines (IG) (formerly known as the Public Spending Code (PSC)) and my Department’s Transport Appraisal Framework (TAF).
