Donegal County Council is to be allocated almost €42.5 million in funding for regional and local roads this year.
This is a 17% increase in last year’s allocation, according to Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Marian Harkin.
She has welcomed the €713m in funding for regional and local roads, nationally, announced by the government, a ‘substantial’ increase of 8% on last year’s figures.
“I am delighted to see the increased allocations across the three counties in my constituency, with €18,883,000 going to Sligo, €14,476,650 to Leitrim, and €42,425,000 allocated to Donegal. This represents increases of 13%, 10%, and 17% respectively,” Minister Harkin stated.
“As a TD representing a mainly rural constituency, I am well aware of the condition of the regional and local roads in Sligo, Leitrim and South Donegal. I have long advocated for much-needed funding to bring these roads up to standard and maintain them effectively,” she added.
The Minister stressed the importance of a strong road network, stating, “A decent road infrastructure is essential for road safety, connectivity, and the commercial life of our communities. This funding increase is a crucial step in addressing these needs.”
“I am very hopeful that this increase in funding for regional and local roads is the first of many initiatives to improve road infrastructure across the country. I particularly look forward to further infrastructural investment in the Northern and Western Region, as we work to correct decades of imbalanced regional development,” she concluded.
Pat the Cope Gallagher TD said the investment will allow for repair works and to strengthen and maintain Donegal’s roads by ensuring they are safe and fit for purpose.
“Government is dedicating resources towards initiatives such as road repair, bridge rehabilitation, road safety measures, community engagement, drainage improvements, and climate change adaptation,” she said.
Pat the Cope also emphasised the importance of the investment for rural regeneration and concluded by saying that a key priority for Government continues to be the protection and renewal of the existing regional and local road network.
“Maintaining and improving our road network is crucial to sustaining and developing our local economies across Donegal”
Pat the Cope has called on this Minister to provide additional funding for roads damaged during the recent storms. It is expected that the Council will assess the costs when a full survey is carried out in each electoral area.
It is expected that an announcement will issue soon in respect of the National Primary and Secondary roads.
Welcoming the allocation, Donegal junior minister, Charlie McConalogue said: “The maintenance and renewal of our regional and local road network in Donegal are crucial. This allocation of almost €42.5 million is the third highest allocation in the country after Cork and Galway and represents an increase of over €6 million compared to the amount for 2024.”
“Keeping our roads in good condition is vital for maintaining social and economic connectivity and linking people and places across the county and the region,” the Minister of State with special responsibility for Sport and Postal Policy added.
“The grants allocated to Donegal under various headings will fund a variety of projects, including bridge repairs, junction reconfigurations and initiatives to reduce traffic congestion in our towns. They will also aim to enhance access to educational institutions, businesses and public transport,” he said.
“The funding will also allow for road pavement strengthening works, preventative surface dressing works, drainage works, community involvement schemes and climate change adaptation and resilience works across our county.
“I commend the team at Donegal County Council for their excellent work in maintaining Donegal’s infrastructure and thank the county councillors for the work they do in their respective electoral areas,” the Minister McConalogue added.
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