Minister for Children, Disability and Equality and Kerry T.D Norma Foley was first out with the news that a record level of over €33 million has been allocated for local and regional roads and bridges across Kerry.
The investment is part a national package to restore and upgrade the road network to maintain social and economic connectivity, linking people and places across the country.
Minister Foley said that improving the road network and infrastructure through county Kerry is a priority for her.
“I am delighted to confirm that Kerry is to receive record funding of €33.360 million for regional and local roads in the county.
Engaging with Transport Minister
“I wish to thank my Fianna Fáil party colleague Darragh O’Brien T.D, Minister for Transport, for engaging with me and providing this funding, which is up by over 10 per cent on last year’s allocation,’ said Minister Foley.
The funding will provide for a number of significant road projects throughout the entire county, including a €500,000 allocation for works on the R556 Dale road, €450,000 for phase two of the Clash Cross to Ballymullen road and €400,000 for realignment works on the Tralee to Fenit road.
Upgrades for Bridges
“I welcome the funding being provided for important bridge upgrades around the country, with €100,000 for the 200-year-old Listry Bridge on the R563 Killarney to Milltown road and €25,000 for the Gap of Dunloe bridge.
“I also welcome the €55,000 in funding being provided for the completion of the Dingle relief road and €25,000 to progress the junction upgrade for the Kerry Technology Park in Tralee.”
Investment for Rural Regeneration
Minister Foley emphasised the importance of the investment for rural regeneration and concluded by saying that a key priority for Government continues to be the protection and renewal of the existing regional and local road network.
“Maintaining and improving our road network is crucial to sustaining and developing our local economies across rural Ireland. These roads are imperative for children getting to school, people getting to work and providing safe and easy access to our thriving local businesses, tourism and recreation facilities,” she said.
Healy-Raes Deliver on Roads Promise for Kerry with €33.36M Investment in Rural Roads Network
In a joint statement from Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) Michael Healy-Rae TD and Danny Healy Rae TD they have warmly welcomed the announcement of the €33.36m as part of the 2025 grant allocation from the Department of Transport for the Kerry non-national roads network.
The funding is part of a €713 million investment programme and was announced by Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien and Minister Sean Canney.
The Kerry Figure Up
“The Kerry figure is a significant rise of €1.56 Million on the €31.8M from 2024 and something both myself and my brother Danny have worked really hard to deliver on. It is the dawning of a new era, the increase in the national budget for roads in such a short time of this new Government represents a sign of intent going forward, the people want tar and that is what we will give them”.
“The roads issue has been a constant in all the years that I have been elected as a public representative but being able to fight for Kerry from within Government has given the Healy-Raes the ability to ensure that more money ends up in the coffers of Kerry County Council which will trickle down to speed up the process of road improvements for Kerry road users,”- Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae TD said while welcoming the news.
Deputy Danny Welcomed Development
Meanwhile Deputy Danny Healy Rae TD has also welcomed the announcement of increased funding for Kerry.
“I am personally delighted to say that increased funding for Kerry non national roads has been something that I fight hard for every day.
“The fact that the money has increased is because of the case we were able to make to the Department while in Government.
“We will continue to deliver the best we can for the county,” – Danny Healy Rae TD added.
Deputy Michael Cahill: Over €33.3m for Kerry Regional and Local Roads
Fianna Fáil TD for Kerry, Michael Cahill has confirmed €33,360,450 worth of funding has been approved for regional and local roads in County Kerry.
Deputy Cahill’s Fianna Fáil colleague Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien announced an investment programme of €713 million for regional and local roads in 2025.
This represents an overall increase of over 8% in funding this year for road and safety improvements on the vast interconnected regional and local road network.
Welcoming the funding Deputy Cahill said: “I’m delighted that my colleague Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien has approved €33,360,450 for County Kerry’s regional and local roads. This significant investment will make a huge difference to the rural road network, improving safety on our roads, reducing journey times.
“We know what a difference improved infrastructure can make to local towns and villages and communities.”
“Fianna Fáil in Government will prioritise investment in our rural road infrastructure in the next five years,” said Deputy Cahill.
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