Minister Eamon Ryan T.D. and Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton TD have just announced details of the 2021 investment programme for regional and local roads.

This €555m euro funding package will allow approximately 3,100kms of roads to be maintained and 2,450kms to be strengthened.

Commenting on the announcement Minister Ryan said: “Our main priority in 2021 is the maintenance and renewal of our existing regional and local road network. This type of routine maintenance is fundamental to safeguarding our road infrastructure and keeping the network in a good condition.

We must also ensure that our roads are resilient against the deteriorating effects of climate change. Overall, €23 million worth of funding is being earmarked for climate change adaptation and resilience works in 2021. This includes €15 million for new applications which continues the funding stream provided through the July 2020 stimulus programme.

When improving our existing road network, it is vital that we take account of the needs of all road users, including cyclists and pedestrians. In this regard, all strategic road improvement investment schemes will include provisions for walking and cycling infrastructure.”

Giving further detail on the allocations Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton said: “Maintaining our regional and local road network is not only important for connectivity, but crucial to ensuring safety on our roads, reducing road collisions and protecting lives.

€19 million is being allocated to road safety schemes that target remedial measures to improve road safety for vulnerable road users and vehicular traffic. This funding will allow in excess of 300 safety projects to be carried out.

Funding for the roll out of a signage programme relating to lower speed limits in housing areas as well as ‘safe passing’ signs for cyclists will also be provided for as part of today’s allocations.”

The main features of the investment programme include:

• €260m for road pavement strengthening works
• €72m for preventative surface dressing work
• €84m for maintenance and strengthening works for which Local Authorities have discretion in the selection of roads
• €24m Strategic Regional and Local Roads Projects
• €18m for Bridge Rehabilitation works
• €19m for Safety Improvement works
• €20m for Drainage works
• €16m for Community Involvement Schemes as part of the 2 year work programme commenced in 2020
• €13m for the completion of Active Travel projects (carryover from July 2020 Stimulus funding. (Note the primary responsibility for active travel funding lies with the NTA who recently announced 240m euro in allocations for 2021)
• €23m for Climate Change Adaptation/Resilience Works
• €4m for Minor Improvement Works
• €12m approx. of miscellaneous grants including, training, salt purchase, velocity patching machines together with a number of pilot schemes