€69 million roads funding package for Mayo

A RECORD €69,319,501 in roads funding has been announced for Mayo for 2026, supporting major upgrades, safety works, bridge rehabilitation, and strategic regional road improvements across the county.

The allocation, spanning national, regional, and local roads, will deliver essential investment in communities right across Mayo, ensuring safer journeys, stronger connectivity, and continued support for economic development, said Minister of State Alan Dillon in welcoming the funding.

Minister Dillon said the 2026 package represents 'a major vote of confidence in Mayo’s infrastructure needs' and reflects ongoing government commitment to balanced regional development.

The breakdown of the total Mayo roads funding of €69,319,501 is:

Regional and Local Roads (general grants): €41,164,300

National Roads (TII): €28,155,201

Strategic Regional and Local Road Grants (SRLR): €720,000

Specific Improvement Grants: €890,000

Bridge Rehabilitation: €933,000

Strategic Regional Road Rehabilitation (SRRR): €350,000

Climate Adaptation and Safety Schemes: €1,075,500

KEY PROJECTS FUNDED

1. Strategic Regional Road Rehabilitation (SRRR)

R312 Keenagh to Bellacorick Pavement Scheme - €350,000 for continuation of multi-phase pavement rehabilitation on this important 12km route.

2. Bridge Rehabilitation

Srahwee Bridge, Achill - €250,000 for bridge replacement.

Achill Sound Bridge - €150,000 for painting, opening mechanism and welds.

3. Strategic Regional & Local Road Grants (SRLR) - €720,000

R332 Kilmaine to Tuam (Foxhall) (phase 2) - €600,000 for realignment and pavement improvements; tender expected Q1 2026.

R332 Kilmaine to Tuam (phase 3) - €20,000 for surveys to progress design.

Cong outer relief road - €100,000 for options selection and statutory process.

4. Specific Improvement Grants - €890,000

R312 Glenisland Road (phase 2) - €30,000 for land acquisition, planning and design.

R313 Glencastle Safety Scheme - €650,000.

R315 Lahardane-Crossmolina - €75,000 for planning and design of road upgrade.

R314 Killala Regional Road Improvement - €75,000 for design works.

R375 Kilkelly Relief Road - €30,000 for screening and land acquisition.

Castlebar Town Traffic Study - €30,000 for junction investigations

These projects will support planning, design, land acquisition, environmental assessments, and safety upgrades across the county.

Mayo’s 2026 national roads allocation of €28.15 million supports a wide programme of upgrades, safety schemes, pavement improvements, and junction works across the county. The funding targets some of the busiest and most strategically important national routes, ensuring safer travel, reduced congestion, and better connectivity for communities and businesses.

Among the most significant projects are a series of N17 safety and junction upgrades, including improvements at Claremorris to Knock, junction closures at Garryduff Road and Golf Club Road, and further junction works around Claremorris. These interventions will address long-standing safety concerns and improve traffic flow on one of Mayo’s key commuter and regional access routes.

The N26 corridor also receives substantial attention, with funding for a new pedestrian crossing in Foxford, minor works between Foxford and Mount Falcon, upgrades on the Ballina bypass (phase 1), and improvements at Cloongullaune Bridge. These works will enhance safety for both motorists and pedestrians along a route that carries significant daily traffic.

A number of important pavement and safety schemes are also included, such as resurfacing on the N17 at Kilmore–Glenvaughan–Kilkelly, pedestrian crossing upgrades on the N59 in Ballina, new pedestrian crossings on the N60 in Ballyhaunis, and traffic signal improvements on the N84 in Ballinrobe.

Additional pavement and realignment works are planned for the N59 at Carrowkennedy, Westport, and Newport to Derrada, as well as safety upgrades at N60 Heathlawn and N60 Manulla Cross.

Finally, several major long-term projects continue to progress, including N5 Westport to Turlough, N58 Foxford transport project, and N59 Westport to Mulranny, all of which remain central to Mayo’s future transport and economic development plans.

Mayo County Council has secured a total of €1,034,000 in funding under the 2026 Safety Improvement Works Scheme, supporting 22 targeted road safety projects across the county. These schemes aim to improve visibility, junction definition, pedestrian safety, and traffic calming in both urban and rural areas, with a strong focus on protecting vulnerable road users near schools, villages, and busy local routes.

Key projects include visibility and junction upgrades along the R323 at Kilkelly, Swinford, and Castlebar, with works such as embankment removal, fence setbacks, and improved signage. In Westport, a retaining wall will be constructed at Drummin West to protect the road from river erosion, while in Achill and Belcarra, horizontal and vertical realignments will address dangerous bends and poor sightlines.

Several schemes focus on school safety, including enhanced signage and markings at Pulrony (Aghamore), Clogher (Ballintubber), and Aghamore village. In Castlebar, traffic calming and junction improvements are planned at Springfield and Balloor, while junction definition and pedestrian access will be improved at Carn, Foxley and Greenwood, Kiltimagh.

The funding also supports rural road upgrades in Ballyhaunis, Charlestown, Tomboholla, and Finney, where poor visibility and substandard alignment have led to safety concerns. Each scheme is designed to reduce collisions, improve driver awareness, and enhance road safety for all users, with several locations identified through accident reports, community feedback, and road safety studies.

Mayo County Council has been allocated €1,075,500 under the 2026 Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Scheme to carry out essential works including clearing drains, raising roads, improving drainage to alleviate flooding, and repairing vulnerable road sections.

Minister Dillon said: “This is a significant investment in Mayo’s road network for 2026. The €67.7 million allocation will support essential upgrades, improve safety, and ensure our regional and local roads continue to meet the needs of communities and businesses across the county.”

He added: “From major schemes like the R332 and R313 to targeted safety and planning works in Castlebar, Kilkelly, Killala, Lahardane and Glenisland, this funding ensures that every part of Mayo benefits.

“I will continue working closely with Mayo County Council and the Department of Transport to progress these projects and secure further investment in the years ahead.”