Cabinet approval and up to €1 billion for Donegal's TEN-T Projects

The government has renewed its commitment to advancing the Donegal TEN-T Project with an investment estimated at between €500 million and up to €1 billion.

Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien secured Cabinet approval for the Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport under the recent National Development Plan (NDP) Review.

The project has also been reaffirmed as part of the NDP Review 2025, underscoring its strategic national importance.

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The TEN-T Project represents a major investment in Donegal’s strategic transport network. The scheme includes the Ballybofey to Stranorlar bypass; realignment of the N13 from Listillion, including a new River Swilly crossing in Letterkenny; upgrading of the existing dual carriageway and a new road from Manorcunningham to Lifford, providing a direct connection to the A5.

Following planning approval, the project will move to detailed design, followed by the tendering process for construction. Barring unforeseen delays, construction is expected to begin in late 2028 or early 2029.

It has been confirmed that funding will be ring-fenced once the project completes the statutory planning process.

The A5 project remains a critical cross-border component of the wider scheme. While the High Court in Northern Ireland recently overturned the decision to progress the first phase of the A5, the Department for Infrastructure - supported by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) - has since appealed the ruling.

Commenting on recent engagements in Belfast, Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher said he was encouraged by the level of political backing: “I met with a cross-party group of MLAs recently, and there is strong, united support for the A5 and the wider TEN-T Project. This infrastructure is vital for regional connectivity, economic development, and road safety across the North-West.”

Deputy Gallagher reaffirmed his intention to continue working closely with Government departments, Northern counterparts, and all relevant stakeholders to ensure the project progresses without delay.

The NDP Review is the largest and most significant capital injection in our economy in the history of the State, supporting comprehensive upgrading of our water, energy and transport infrastructure to support all other necessary economic development.

The Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport commits €22.3 billion to a diverse range of transport options, including public transport, active travel, roads, maritime, and aviation, over the next five years. An additional allocation of €2 billion from the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund will support the development of MetroLink, bringing the total NDP Exchequer investment in transport to €24.3 billion between 2026 and 2030.