€23.4m roads funding announced for Louth towns and regions
By ArdeePost Reporter
€23.4 million roads funding boost confirmed for Louth
More than €23 million in State funding has been allocated for national, regional and local roads across County Louth, delivering a major investment in road maintenance, safety upgrades and long-awaited infrastructure projects.
In total, €23,386,073 has been earmarked for Louth in 2026, with funding split between national roads (€13,345,442) and regional and local roads (€10,040,631). The allocation will support resurfacing works, bridge rehabilitation, climate resilience projects and a wide-ranging programme of road safety improvements.
Significant boost for Mid-Louth road projects
Mid-Louth has emerged as a key beneficiary in this year’s allocations, with several long-anticipated schemes receiving funding.
Among the headline projects are:
- €1.7 million for the N2 Ardee to Cookstown Cross upgrade, delivering major improvements along a heavily used corridor
- €350,000 for the Cavan–Dundalk R178 realignment (Sections D6 & D7), including 1.35km of realigned road and safety works over a 1.7km stretch
- Safety works at Cookstown (L1209), including hedge removal, fencing and improved sightlines
- Safety upgrades on the R132 Dunleer, R168 Drumgooles Cross (Collon), R170 Grangebellew and L1201 Reaghstown
In addition, the Ardee Bypass (N52) has received an allocation of €75,000, ensuring the strategic project remains active and progressing through its development stages.
Expanded safety programme across Mid-Louth
A broader package of safety measures has also been funded, targeting accident blackspots and pedestrian safety concerns.
Projects include:
- R132 Dunleer – new pedestrian crossings in the town centre
- R168 Drumgooles Cross (Collon) – signage and road marking upgrades
- R170 Walshestown (Grangebellew) – bend signage and vegetation clearance
- L1209 Cookstown & L1201 Reaghstown – speed management and safety works
- R166 Termonfeckin – pedestrian crossing and slow signage on bends
- L6281 Orchard Villas, Termonfeckin – crossings and access ramps
- L1201 Reaghstown – possible speed cushions near Westerns GAA
Full breakdown of €10 million for regional and local roads
The €10,040,631 allocation for regional and local roads in Louth includes:
Protection and Renewal Grants
- Restoration Improvement – €5,526,000
- Restoration Maintenance – €652,000
- Supplementary Restoration Maintenance – €603,500
- Discretionary Grant – €1,255,500
- Bridge Rehabilitation – €301,000
- Climate Change Adaptation & Resilience – €256,000
- Community Involvement Scheme – €286,550
- Safety Improvement Works – €277,800
- PSCI Survey Support – €11,000
- Training Grant – €42,800
- Drainage Works – €288,500
- Strategic Rehabilitation (Regional Roads) – €540,000
Climate resilience works planned for 2026
Dedicated funding has been set aside to future-proof roads against extreme weather events:
- L7056 Ballintesik – €110,000
- L5174 Thomastown – €46,000
- L3056 Howes Hill – €100,000
Bridge rehabilitation works across Louth
A comprehensive bridge inspection and rehabilitation programme will be rolled out in 2026, including works at:
- Monavalet, Dungooly, Barronstown, Carntown
- Briarhill, Dardisrath, Gibbers, Martins
- Bellews, Ballyragan, Ballykelly
- Tullagh Omeath, Drumnasillagh, Annagassan
Individual bridge allocations range from €8,000 to €45,000, alongside €15,000 for countywide bridge inventory and inspections.
2026 safety improvement works on regional and local roads
Targeted safety schemes include:
- Regulatory road markings at junctions – €13,800
- R132 Dunleer – €45,000
- R166 Termonfeckin – €30,000
- R170 Grangebellew (Walshestown) – €15,000
- R173 Lordship & Omeath – €35,000 combined
- L1209 Cookstown (Ardee) – €20,000
- L6281 Orchard Villas, Termonfeckin – €30,000
- Old Golf Links Road, Haggardstown – €19,000
Strategic regional road schemes funded
Major strategic projects receiving funding include:
- R215 / N52 Strategic Rehabilitation – €540,000
- Cavan–Dundalk R178 (Sections D6 & D7) – €350,000
- Port Access Northern Cross Route (Drogheda), Phase 3 – €350,000
- Marlbog to Chapel Road transport corridor – €70,000
€13.3 million allocated for national roads in Louth
National road funding includes:
- €10 million for the N53 Hackballscross to Rassan
- €850,000 for N52 Bothar na Mbo pavement works
- €100,000 for Castle Street, Ardee (N2)
- €200,000 for N2 / R169 junction safety works
- €70,000 for the Ardee Bypass (N52)
Additional allocations cover winter maintenance, lighting, ordinary maintenance and local authority support across the national network.
Political reaction welcomes “real progress” for Louth
Louth Fine Gael TD Paula Butterly welcomed the funding, describing the €23.3 million allocation as essential investment in road safety, maintenance and climate resilience.
She said the funding for the Ardee Bypass demonstrates the Government’s commitment to keeping the project active despite legal delays, while the allocation for Phase 3 of the Port Access Northern Cross Route represents “real and tangible progress”.
Fianna Fáil TD Erin McGreehan also welcomed the announcement, saying the funding will “make a real difference in communities right across Louth”, particularly through safer roads and improved connectivity.
She added that the inclusion of the Ardee Bypass is critical for commuters and regional connectivity and expressed hope that the project will now progress at pace.
