I have today announced an investment Programme of €43,650,160 million for regional and local roads in 2025 for County Galway. This represents an overall increase of over 9.33% in funding this year for road and safety improvements on the vast interconnected regional and local road network.
“It is crucial to invest in our local and regional road networks, which will greatly benefit towns, villages, and communities across the country. This funding will boost connectivity, support businesses, and make daily commutes to school, work, and other activities easier and safer for families. Specifically, to enhance road safety, funding is being allocated for over 330 safety projects nationally this year, an increase of 20% from last year. These safety schemes aim to implement remedial measures to improve the overall safety of our road network, benefiting all road users. Increasing funding in safety projects is vital in reducing road deaths as well as instances of serious injury and helping to create a safer transport network.
I am pleased to confirm funding of €2.9 million has been allocated for two major roads projects.
A total of €1.7 Million has been allocated to the R332 Kilbannon road alignment works. This project is out for tender, and the project is expected to commence in March. This project which has been in design stage for several years includes the widening of the road, footpaths from Kilbannon junction to Kilconly GAA pitch and the national school.
“This project will enhance safety and create footpath access for pedestrians between the National School, the village, and the GAA grounds”.
A total of €1.2 million has been allocated to progress the Athenry Relief Road Section 3. The design is complete, and tenders are being sought for the works. It is expected that works will commence on this project by June 2025.
“This project will help alleviate traffic congestion in the centre of Athenry and allow for its continued development into the future. The design also includes active travel elements including footpaths.
I wish to thank Galway County Council for their efforts in bringing these projects to this stage and I look forward to the commencement of construction on the ground”.
The 2025 grants program demonstrates a significant increase in investment across various grant categories, with boosted funding for Restoration Improvement, bridge rehabilitation, low cost safety projects and the Community Involvement Scheme. The Department of Transport will also continue to offer grant assistance to Local Authorities for the implementation of reduced speed limit on rural local roads.
