The Government has announced an 8% increase in spending on regional and local roads in 2025. In total €713 million will be spent across the State.
The money will be used for restoration and maintenance of the network, as well as improving road infrastructure and investing in safety projects. €70m will be invested in specific infrastructure projects including bridges and bypasses.
The money will be distributed to local authorities who are responsible for maintaining the regional and local road network.
Of the monies provided, the highest amount will go to Co Cork at €94.6m, €82m of which goes to Cork County Council and the remainder to Cork City Council.
Galway local authorities will share €47m, Donegal will get €42.4m and Tipperary will be granted €42.03m.
The lowest allocations go to the Dublin region, totaling just over €300,000 between for local authorities.
Full list of county breakdowns
Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien said: "Rehabilitation and maintenance is fundamental to keeping the network in a good condition, and a significant increase in funding has been provided for that in 2025, with most of the funding going towards restoration of the network.
This is essential for maintaining social and economic connectivity, linking people and places across the country."
Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, Seán Canney, said the funding will enhance road safety, with funding being allocated for over 330 safety projects 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 fatalities and serious injuries, and helps to create a safer transport environment for all."
'Dawning of a new era'
A total of €33m is being allocated to Co Kerry, an increase of €1.56m on last year.
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Michael Healy-Rae, said it is the "dawning of a new era".
Speaking on RTÉ's Drivetime, Mr Healy-Rae said it meant the Government was listening to the people of Ireland.
"Our road network does need constant investment. We need to carry out safety projects and works on our roads to save lives and tar is very important. This Government has given a very clear commitment in the Programme for Government, and in this announcement today, by stating that the people want tar, and this Government will give it to them," he said.
Mr Healy-Rae would not be drawn on whether Healy-Rae Plant Hire, which is owned by his brother Danny Healy-Rae, would provide the equipment for the work to be carried out in Kerry.
"Work comes to everybody that tenders for it. You can't get work unless you tender for it and look for it. There are many people who work for every local authority throughout the country, and they do so on the basis of their ability to do the work," he said.
"We don't care where the machinery comes from to do the work. Once we have work to do, and once we can put roads under people, not just in Kerry, you must look at this in the national way. This is good news for Ireland, and the people are travelling on our roads," he added.
