€69.3 million roads funding package for Donegal in 2026 announced

A €69.3 million roads funding package for Donegal in 2026 has been announced.

The substantial investment comprises €23.09 million for national roads and €46.22 million for regional and local roads, bringing the total allocation to €69,313,032.

Donegal’s national roads allocation will support protection, renewal and targeted improvements on strategic routes, including key TEN-T corridors: N13 TEN-T Route Improvement — €2,300,000; N56 Dungloe to Glenties (Major Scheme) — €250,000; N56 Protection C Renewal Programme — €1,830,0004; Dunkineely NS  — €180,000; Doonwell to Drumbrick — €250,000; Gort An Choirce go dtí an Fál Carrach — €650,000; Letterilly to Kilraine Junction — €300,000; Letterilly to Kilraine Junction Phase 2 — €450,000

Additional Strategic Improvements are in the form of N15 Laghey Roundabout RSIS — €3,500,000; N15 Ballybofey Pedestrian Crossings — €500,000; N15 Liscooley to Castlefinn Pavement Scheme — €2,300,000; N15 Stranorlar Main Street to Letterkenny Road Pavement — €2,000,000; N14 RSI Improvements Phase 2 (Feddyglass) — €1,500,000 and N13 Bridgend Minor Works — €1,100,000.

Pat the Cope Gallagher TD has warmly welcomed the announcement, describing it as a major boost for connectivity, road safety and regional development across the county.

“These projects will deliver real improvements in safety, traffic flow and road quality on some of Donegal’s busiest and most strategic routes,” he said.

"The €46.22 million allocation for regional and local roads will support a wide programme of restoration, rehabilitation and safety works across Donegal."

Deputy Gallagher also welcomed the allocation of €22.76 million for Restoration Improvement works under the Protection and Renewal Grant programme, describing it as critical to maintaining the strength and condition of the regional network.

He highlighted the €6.5 million investment in the R263 Fintra Bridge and Road Realignment, noting it will deliver significant safety and connectivity benefits for the south Donegal area.

The regional funding package also provides for Strategic Rehabilitation of Regional Roads; Bridge Rehabilitation Works;
Drainage and climate resilience works; Safety improvement schemes and Community Involvement Scheme

Deputy Gallagher said continued investment in the Northwest road network remains essential.

“Sustained funding is critical to ensure Donegal’s road network remains safe, resilient and capable of supporting our communities and local economy,” he said.

National roads in Donegal will benefit from €23,092,382 in funding for maintenance and repair work this year.

Senator Manus Boyle said: “I am delighted to see that €23,092,382 funding has been allocated to Donegal County Council for essential national road repair works across Donegal. The continued safety for all road users is a key priority for Fine Gael in government and key to that is the protection and regeneration of our existing national road network.”

“The allocation for protection and renewal of the existing national road network will fund a range of activities including road safety improvements, pavement renewal, maintenance of bridges and structures, and measures to ensure the network can withstand the increased number of severe weather events.”

Welcoming the announcement made by the Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, Donegal Minister of State, Charlie McConalogue, said it is vital that Donegal County Council continues to receive strong support from government to assist it with future projects, and maintain and improve the county’s large road network.

“Donegal has received the fifth highest allocation in the country in this latest announcement that will see the Department of Transport providing over €1.5 billion in exchequer funding for national and regional roads in 2026," he said. "This also represents a 13 per cent increase in road funding for 2025.

“I’m glad to note that €2.5 million of Donegal’s allocation has been set aside for much needed Ten-T Project, which includes the Bonagee Link in Letterkenny, the Lifford to Manorcunningham Dual Carriageway and the Ballybofey Stranorlar Bypass. This funding will help bring it to the planning stage later this year.”

“The Ten-T scheme is vital for improving the primary transport arteries in the county, ensuring that Donegal remains a competitive place to do business and a safe place to travel. Its completion is crucial for the development of our county and the North West region. The Bonagee Link is of particular importance when it comes to addressing the traffic situation in and around Letterkenny."

“I commend the staff at Donegal County Council staff for the excellent work they do on our keeping our roads at such a high standard. This funding will provide the Council with the necessary resources to continue their essential work.

"By working closely with my colleagues in the Department of Transport, we are ensuring that Donegal is getting its fair share of government support,”