€69 million roads funding boost for Mayo welcomed by Minister Dillon

A record €69,319,501 funding package for roads in Co Mayo has been confirmed for 2026, a major investment aimed at enhancing safety, connectivity and infrastructure across the county, local representatives have announced. 

The funding, welcomed by Alan Dillon, Minister of State and Fine Gael TD for Mayo, represents one of the largest allocations for transport infrastructure in the county’s history. It is designed to support essential works on national, regional and local roads, from safety improvements and bridge repairs to strategic regional upgrades. 

This €69 million package is “a major vote of confidence in Mayo’s infrastructure needs” and reflects the Government’s ongoing commitment to balanced regional development, Minister Dillon said in welcoming the announcement. 

Key areas of investment

The total funding will be distributed across a range of priorities. A sum of €41,164,300 has been earmarked for regional and local roads through general grant funding. 

National roads in Mayo will receive €28,155,201, administered via Transport Infrastructure Ireland.

In addition, €933,000 has been set aside for bridge rehabilitation works, while €1,075,500 will fund climate adaptation and road safety schemes. 

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The package includes targeted strategic road improvements, such as pavement works on the R312 from Keenagh to Bellacorick and upgrades on the R332 Kilmaine to Tuam route. Planned works also include critical bridge and roadway upgrades on Achill Sound and Srahwee Bridge. 

Key projects funded

1. Strategic Regional Road Rehabilitation (SRRR)

• R312 Keenagh to Bellacorick Pavement Scheme – €350,000 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 Realignment and pavement improvements; tender expected Q1 2026.
• R332 Kilmaine to Tuam – Phase 3 – €20,000 Surveys to progress design.
• Cong Outer Relief Road – €100,000 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 (planning and design of road upgrade)
• R314 Killala Regional Road Improvement – €75,000 (design works)
• R375 Kilkelly Relief Road – €30,000 (screening and land acquisition)
• Castlebar Town Traffic Study – €30,000 (junction investigations)

Impact for local communities

The funding is expected to support jobs, improve road safety for commuters and rural communities, and enhance connections between towns and key services throughout Mayo. Projects are designed to boost long-term resilience and connectivity — particularly important in more remote parts of the county. 

Minister Dillon said that this investment demonstrates a strong commitment from the Government to support rural infrastructure, noting that roads are a critical part of local economic and social life. 

Further details on the individual projects and progress timelines are expected to be released by Mayo County Council in the coming weeks.