208. Deputy David Maxwell asked the Minister for Transport the reasons counties Cavan and Monaghan have experienced a reduction in local and regional roads funding allocations in 2026 compared to 2025; and if he will acknowledge the significant deterioration of road conditions across both counties following recent prolonged periods of severe and adverse weather. [14947/26]

The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Councils' own resources, which are supplemented by State grants for regional and local roads.

The 2026 regional and local road allocations were notified to local authorities on 17th February, and Cavan County Council has been allocated a total of €19,165,275. Of this, €18,755,275 has been allocated for the protection and renewal of Cavan's regional and local roads. This is an increase from the initial 2025 allocation of €18,218,150 for protection and renewal grants.

In 2026, Monaghan County Council has been allocated a total of €17,231,600. Of this, €16,486,600 has been allocated for the protection and renewal of regional and local roads. This is an increase from the initial 2025 allocation of €16,203,350 for protection and renewal grants.

In addition to the annual protection and renewal grants, the Department provided funding to a number of local authorities, including Cavan and Monaghan County Councils, to undertake Reclaimed Asphalt Pilot trials in 2024 and 2025.

Cavan and Monaghan County Councils delivered a number of road restoration improvement schemes as part of this pilot project, using recycled asphalt road plannings. While the works elements of the pilot scheme have now been complete, ongoing testing and analysis is being carried out to determine the effectiveness of the recycled asphalt. It is only once this testing and review process is complete can consideration be given to the implementation of guidelines for widespread use across the country. As the lead local authority on this pilot, Monaghan County Council has been allocated €75,000 in 2026 to complete testing.

The Department would like to acknowledge Cavan and Monaghan County Councils' role in helping to deliver the onsite works carried out under the Reclaimed Asphalt Pilot.

Government is committed to assisting affected local authorities in 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.

It should be noted that Exchequer funding for regional and local roads is intended to supplement realistic contributions from local authorities’ own resources. Local authorities are also advised to set aside a contingency from Department allocations and own resources for severe weather events. As the statutory road authorities for their areas, it is also open to local authorities to prioritise investment on regional and local roads.