Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien today announced the publication of the new Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030.   
The Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport under the recent NDP Review will provide almost €45 million capital investment under the Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030, with €9 million in capital supports available for allocation in 2026. In addition, current funding will be provided on an annual basis as part of the Estimate process. In total, over €19 million is available for allocation under the Programme in 2026.  
The Programme will support connectivity and balanced regional development, while seeking to maximise the use of existing capacity across regional airports. Accordingly, the Programme has been broadened to support airports with up to three million passengers (on average over the two preceding financial years). The airports that currently meet the criteria for the new Programme are Shannon, Ireland West Airport (Knock), Kerry and Donegal. 
Minister O’Brien said:
“The Programme for Government acknowledges that, as an island nation with a dispersed population and an open economy, it is essential for Ireland to have good connectivity within the country and with the rest of the world. This connectivity is vital to supporting economic growth as well as local communities. 
“In line with this, the Programme for Government gave a commitment to continue to invest in the Regional Airports Programme and to develop a new Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030. This new programme marks the delivery of this important commitment.
“I am delighted to announce that, for the first time, the scope of the Programme has been broadened to include airports with up to three million annual passengers. 
“In recognition of passenger traffic growth forecast by Ireland West Airport over the lifetime of this Programme, the Programme will ensure that Ireland West Airport continues to be supported in a scenario where they grow beyond the one million annual passenger threshold. Ireland West Airport will be supported on a step-down basis up to 1.5 million passengers with capital and operational supports.
“In addition, to maximise the existing capacity at Shannon Airport, the Programme will also provide capital supports, on a further step-down basis, to airports with over 1.5 million and up to three million annual passengers. Shannon Airport is Ireland’s second largest long-haul airport after Dublin and is of strategic importance for the State. Its inclusion under the Programme will support it in accelerating its capital investment programme as it grows towards three million passengers.”
Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, Seán Canney said: 
“Both Ireland West and Shannon provide key gateways to the west, northwest and the midlands, serving international business needs and bringing tourists directly to the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. 
“The expanded Regional Airports Programme will bring funding security to Ireland West Airport over the next five years, as it continues to grow from last year’s record of 946,000 passengers. Shannon Airport is strategically and nationally important: open 24 hours a day for 365 days a year, with passenger traffic of 2.3 million last year, and offering a 24-hour emergency service for aircraft using Irish airspace. Including Shannon Airport in the Regional Airports Programme supports this critical national infrastructure as it continues to grow towards three million passengers.”
Minister of State with responsibility for Rural Transport Jerry Buttimer said: 
“Government recognises the important role regional airports play in their areas and in regional development. Air connectivity is essential for the sustainability of rural communities, connecting remote regions to global markets, attracting investment as well as boosting inbound tourism. This new Programme will continue to support airports in attracting new business, and to make a sustainable contribution to their respective local economies and communities.” 
In line with National Aviation Policy, the Programme will ensure that these airports receive support for measures aimed at maintaining compliance with the European Union’s safety and security related obligations. It is generally recognised that, without State support, these airports would struggle to comply with international regulatory obligations in these areas.  
Projects with a sustainability focus will also be supported, encouraging eligible airports to meet their carbon emission reduction targets under the Climate Action Plan, as well as build resilience against the likely impacts of climate change.  
The Programme will also support Exchequer funded Public Service Obligation (PSO) air services. Currently, one PSO air service is in place between Donegal and Dublin airports. In line with the Programme for Government commitment to engage with all relevant stakeholders to establish air connectivity between Dublin and Derry City airports, it is expected that a PSO air service between Dublin and Derry will also be introduced later this year.

• Plan will transform how we use materials and resources, cut waste, boost productivity, and create sustainable jobs in every part of our country
• Pilot National Pilot Repair Voucher Scheme will reduce repair costs, increase perceived value of used devices and drive society-wide support for repair
• Digital Product Passport (DPP) will help consumers to make informed decisions; initial, priority DPP products will include textiles, furniture and tyres

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien and Minister of State with responsibility for the Circular Economy Alan Dillon today launched Ireland’s Circular Economy Strategy 2026-2028. The strategy sets out an ambitious national plan to accelerate Ireland’s transition from a linear ‘take make waste’ model to a circular, sustainable economy.
The strategy will enhance our ability to keep materials and products in use for longer, reduce waste and enable circular innovation across every sector of society, building resilience in supply chains, lowering emissions, and strengthening Ireland’s competitiveness as part of its broader climate and green enterprise agenda.
Minister O’Brien said:
“Nearly half of global greenhouse gas emissions come from how we make and use goods, food and materials. By embedding circularity across our economy, we can cut those emissions at the source – long before they reach our atmosphere. This is not simply an environmental project; it is a cornerstone of our climate action agenda. Every tonne of material that’s reused, every product that’s repaired rather than replaced, represents carbon that never needs to be emitted. That is the power of the circular economy. This Strategy sets out how we will harness that power – through innovation, investment, and collaboration.”
Minister Dillon said:
“The circular economy is central to how Ireland will grow cleaner, smarter, and more self-reliant. Through innovation, design and enterprise we can transform how we use materials and resources, cut waste, boost productivity, and create sustainable jobs in every part of our country. Implementation of this strategy will show that circularity is not an abstract idea but a practical, economic, and achievable way forward – one that helps families and businesses get better value, while strengthening Ireland’s competitiveness and resilience. My ambition is to make circular thinking the new normal and secure a more prosperous, resilient, and sustainable Ireland.
“This second Circular Economy Strategy is about practical action – changing how Ireland designs, builds, consumes, and reuses. It places innovation, enterprise, and people at the heart of climate action – cutting waste, creating jobs, and reducing costs for households and businesses.”
The strategy aims to:

• Increase Ireland’s Circular Material Use Rate (CMUR) by 2 percentage points annually, reaching 12% by 2030.
• Support economic expansion, while improving resource productivity and reducing dependency on virgin raw materials.
• Strengthen Ireland’s position as a centre for sustainable design, advanced manufacturing, and innovative circular business models.
• Empower people and communities to make sustainable, cost‑effective choices through initiatives such as the introduction of a pilot National Repair Voucher Scheme.
• Support local authorities in developing reuse, repair, and recycling hubs nationwide.
• Place digitalisation and data‑driven innovation at the core of the circular transition.

The Circular Economy Strategy builds on the strong policy foundations established over the past five years, including the Circular Economy Act 2022, the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy, the Green Public Procurement Strategy & Action Plan, the Climate Action Plan, and the National Waste Management Plan for a Circular Economy.
National Pilot Repair Voucher Scheme
Behavioural studies have found that the price of repair (and especially the price gap between repair and replacement) can be the most important factor influencing a decision to repair. A National Pilot Repair Voucher Scheme will be introduced, supported by the Circular Economy Fund, that will focus on the reuse and repair of consumer products. The pilot scheme will be designed through the National Reuse and Repair Network and will be rolled out by 2027. This will facilitate a shift in consumer roles – from purchasers to stewards of products and devices by reducing repair costs, increasing the perceived value of used devices and driving society-wide support for repair.
Digital Product Passport (DPP)
The Digital Product Passport (DPP) is an innovation (under the 2024 EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation) that will store and share data about a product's sustainability, circularity and regulatory compliance. The DPP will be available to consumers, businesses and relevant authorities. It will help consumers to make informed decisions about what they buy, and it will drive demand for sustainable products. The DPP could also host additional information, like product instructions or conformity documents. Priority products that will have a DPP over the coming years include textiles, furniture, tyres and mattresses.
Sectoral Action and Targets:
The strategy sets actions and targets for six key priority sectors – to deliver environmental and economic benefits:

• Construction – Publication of a Circularity Roadmap for the Construction Sector in 2026 and agreement on a sectoral compact partnership between the Government and Construction Industry to accelerate circular practices.
• Bioeconomy (including agriculture) – Publication of a new National Bioeconomy Strategy and Food Waste Prevention Roadmap by 2026 to support sustainable biomass use and cut food waste by 50% by 2030.
• Retail – Greater support for repair, re-use and waste prevention, including Bring‑Your‑Own container options in food service from 2027.
• Packaging – Implementation of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, aiming for a 5% packaging waste reduction by 2030 and 90% plastic bottle collection by 2029.
• Textiles – Launch of a National Policy Statement and Roadmap on Circular Textiles in 2026, with nationwide full and enhanced separate textile collection by 2030.
• Electronics – Expansion of repair and remanufacturing, transposition of the Right to Repair Directive, and support for Ireland’s repair and reuse network.

Minister Dillon concluded:
“Ireland’s second Circular Economy Strategy is about practical action – changing how we design, build, consume, and reuse. It will help us meet our climate goals, grow resilient businesses, and empower communities. Every person, business, and public body has a role to play in making circularity the new normal. This strategy prioritises six key sectors to lead the way in delivering environmental and economic benefits by delivering clear actions through measurable targets.”
The Strategy can be viewed at this link.

An investment of over €5 million will complete construction of the Swords Surgical Hub, significantly increasing elective care capacity in the region. The hub will help reduce hospital waiting times in the short term while delivering much-needed additional surgical capacity for Swords and the wider North Dublin area.
 
The facility will include:
              •            4 operating theatres
              •            2 minor procedure rooms
              •            A dedicated recovery and post-anaesthetic care unit
              •            Associated clinical support services and staff facilities
 
The Surgical Hub will operate six days per week, from 8am to 8pm. It will provide day-case and minor procedures only, with a maximum patient stay of 12 hours and no overnight admissions.
 
Once fully operational, the hub is expected to deliver up to 10,000 day-case and minor procedures annually, making a significant contribution to reducing waiting lists and improving access to planned care.
 
Minister O’Brien says this investment reflects his ongoing commitment to the people of North Dublin to strengthen healthcare delivery in the region.
 
“I am delighted to see this project now moving towards completion. I campaigned for the development of this Surgical Hub as part of broader health improvements for North Dublin. Last year, we secured €30.9 million in funding for this project, and this additional €5 million will now ensure construction is completed and that the facility can open within months.
 
This hub will be crucial for the area in terms of reducing waiting times and improving access to care across the region. I remain committed to delivering more accessible, timely healthcare for our community.”
 
Funding of €1.4m has also been given to progress the new planned Primary Care Centre in Swords, in the old Hertz Building ,which was purchased last year for €20 million. When fully operational it is anticipated the primary care centre will provide a broad range of services, including primary care, GP, disability and mental health services. As well as being close to the proposed Seatown stop on the Metrolink, the site is also located within 500 metres of the main street in Swords village.
 
There is also funding of over €800,000 for the provision of a purpose-built 10 High Support Community Residence to provide accommodation for the residents of Carlton House, Swords, a residential care home for people with long term mental health needs.

Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien, Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, Seán Canney and Minister of State with responsibility for Rural Transport Jerry Buttimer today announced that the Department of Transport will provide over €1.5 billion in exchequer funding for national, regional and local roads in 2026. This represents a 13% increase in road funding over 2025.
The €800 million allocation for national roads includes:  

• €659 million in exchequer capital funding through Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII)
• €104 million for national roads under Public Private Partnerships
• approximately €33 million for regular maintenance of national roads, provided to local authorities.

TII will allocate funding to protect and renew the existing national road network across the country, funding road safety improvements, pavement and bridge renewal, and climate-resilience measures. It will also progress the new national road projects identified in the National Development Plan and the Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport, including the Adare Bypass, N5 Ballaghaderreen-Scramoge, and M28 Cork- Ringaskiddy.
The €718 allocation for regional and local roads will allow approximately 2,800kms of roads to be maintained and 2,330kms to be improved. The funding includes:

• €50 million for strategic road improvement projects, including projects identified for development under the National Development Plan.
• €20 million in Specific Grants for smaller scale road improvements, including: bridgeworks; safety measures such as junction reconfiguration; and schemes to alleviate traffic congestion in towns. Funded projects in 2026 include: the safety scheme on the R332 Kilbannon, Co. Galway; the rehabilitation of Archdeacon Duggan Bridge in Co. Cork; and the Kilkelly Relief Road in County Mayo.  A total of 99 projects in this category will be funded in 2026.
• 16.5 million for 294 projects under the Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Programme
• €14 million for 280 low-cost road safety projects, targeting remedial measures to improve road safety for vulnerable road users and vehicular traffic.  

Minister O’Brien said:
"Advancing the new national road projects in the current National Development Plan  and the Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport is a priority for this government, along with the protection and renewal of the existing national, regional and local road network. Government is committed to assisting affected local authorities with financial support to assist with the aftermath of Storm Chandra. My Department is liaising with affected counties, who are continuing to compile and assess damage on the ground to enable proper estimation of the total damage caused and the estimated cost of remediation.
“The allocations I’m announcing today will enable multiple major new road projects on the national road network to progress, including those that are at or are close to construction. This will enable greater connectivity across our country, support economic development, and deliver safer roads and less congested towns and communities.
“Projects such as the N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge, the M28 and the Adare Bypass, which are currently in construction, demonstrate the clear commitment to the ongoing development of our national road network. Taken together with the new road projects which are at an earlier stage of the project lifecycle, an increased number of new national roads projects have been allocated funding this year."
“A new two-year work programme under the Community Involvement Scheme for regional and local roads is starting this year with €16.2 million being allocated to the scheme in 2026. This is an increase of €1.4 million in funding from last year, upholding the Programme for Government commitment to increase funding for the Community Involvement Scheme.”
Minister Canney said:
“Today’s funding allocations ensures that our primary focus of protecting and maintaining the existing road network so that it remains safe, resilient and capable of meeting the needs of all road users - including freight operators, is to the fore. This funding also supports essential road safety improvements, which are critical to delivering our Road Safety Strategy Over recent decades, substantial investment has been made in the national road network, strengthening regional connectivity and supporting economic growth across the country.”
“Reducing speed limits and making roads safer, in support of the Government commitment of Vision Zero, remains a priority. The Department of Transport will also continue to offer grant assistance to local authorities for the implementation of reduced speed limits as per the speed limit review.”  
Minister Buttimer, said:
“As Minister with responsibility for Rural Transport, I recognise the critical role played by the national road network in ensuring that all parts of Ireland are connected. A safe and efficient road network enables those living in rural communities to connect to work, education and healthcare. In addition, it also facilitates the improved bus services that operate across rural Ireland. The funding announced today will help to protect and enhance this vital national asset for all our citizens."
“The allocation of €718 million for regional and local roads will strengthen and support towns, villages, and communities right across the country. It’s an investment that will improve connectivity, help local businesses thrive, and make everyday journeys to school, work, and community activities safer and more convenient for families.”
 

• €30 million to support local climate action – under the EU Just Transition Fund – to continue the economic, environmental, and social transformation of the Midlands region
• An increase of €4.9 million in funding for local authority climate action nationally
• Minister agrees new Climate Action Charter to be signed with 31 Local Authorities

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien has announced significant new funding of almost €35 million to further support local authorities as they continue to drive forward climate action in our communities. This funding underpins the continued commitment of Government to local climate action and recognises the key role of local authorities in supporting communities as we transition to a climate neutral economy.
€30 million START Scheme to support local climate action
As part of the European Union’s Just Transition Fund (EU JTF) programme, which is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the EU, €30 million is being provided to local authorities in the Midlands EU Just Transition Territory to support their local climate action.  The new scheme, Supporting a Sustainable Transition through Climate Action for a Resilient Territory (START) will support Local Authority-led Climate Action Plan infrastructure projects and feasibility studies that align with the EU JTF programme. The types of projects that local authorities can submit for consideration under this closed call include but are not limited to:

• Renewable energy solutions, enhancing community engagement, promoting sustainability;
• Enhancing energy efficiency of public and community buildings;
• Active travel and sustainable transport;
• Transforming former landfill sites into tourism/recreational spaces, developing community/heritage spaces, enhancing public amenities.

Additional €4.9 million for Local Authority Climate Action:
A further €4.9 million is also being made to support Local Authority climate action across Ireland. This will break down as follows:

• The three Irish cities in the EU Climate Neutral and Smart Cities Mission – Cork, Dublin and Galway – will be able to access funding of €2 million next year. This will help the cities to deliver projects which move them to becoming climate neutral by 2030.
• A new fund of €1.5 million will be set up to assist local authorities with their Decarbonising Zones (DZs). DZs are spatial areas which have been selected by local authorities as the focus for climate mitigation, adaptation and biodiversity projects.
• There is a new €2.5 million European Regional Development Fund scheme for local authorities in the northern and western region. It offers funding for local projects in Decarbonising Zones on adaptation or the protection of biodiversity and green infrastructure. The Department is committing €1 million in funding.
• Climate Action Regional Offices (CAROs) will receive €2.4 million in 2026 – an increase of €400,000. The offices support local authorities to deliver climate action, helping them develop local climate plans and sharing best practice across the regions.

These announcements follow a funding commitment at the end of 2025 of €26.9m to fund community climate action projects and a Community Climate Action Officer in each Local Authority to 2027.
Commenting on the funding, Minister O’Brien said:
“Our local authorities are the leaders in making sustainability at a community level a reality. Through the Community Climate Action Programme, hundreds of projects across communities have been and will be funded with the support of over €50 million from the Climate Action Fund from 2023 to 2027. I’m delighted now to announce, in addition, the launch of a new €30 million Just Transition scheme investing further in the Midlands, and to increased climate funding for local authorities in 2026 of almost €5 million. This funding demonstrates our commitment to local authorities and communities, supporting them to deliver the meaningful, place-based climate action required for their specific needs.”
Commenting on the launch of the START scheme, Clare Bannon, A/Director for Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly, said:
"EMRA is looking forward to launching the START scheme which marks a transformative moment for the wider Midlands region. With this vital boost of investment in the region from Government and European Union funding sources, we can empower local decisive climate action, fostering greener and more resilient communities that support the unique character and history of the region."
Pobal CEO, Anna Shakespeare, said:
“Pobal is pleased to support the administration of the START programme under the EU Just Transition Fund, on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly. This investment will enable Local Authorities, and the organisations they work with, to progress projects that strengthen local resilience, improve public amenities, and support communities as they navigate the transition to a more sustainable future. We look forward to working with Local Authorities across the Midlands region to ensure they have the guidance and supports needed to bring forward impactful, community‑focused projects.”
Commenting on the additional funding being made available to local authorities, Frank Curran, Chair of the County and City Management Association’s (CCMA) Environment, Climate and Circular Economy Committee and Chief Executive of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said:
“We welcome this important increase in Government funding, which strengthens our ability to deliver practical, community focused climate action. The updated Climate Action Charter between Government and local authorities recognises that local authorities are uniquely placed to provide strong leadership at local and regional level. With statutory Climate Action Plans already in place, and with targeted support for climate neutral city initiatives, investment in our Decarbonising Zones, and the continued work of the Climate Action Regional Offices, today’s announcement gives councils further resources to accelerate climate action and help to build resilient, sustainable communities.”
More information on climate action in our communities can be view on gov.ie (Link to go live on Monday 16 February 00.01am)

New fund will support large-scale creative projects to engage communities in climate action. 
Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, and Minister for Climate, Energy and Environment, Darragh O’Brien, today announced a new €6.5 million Creative Climate Action Fund, which will support imaginative, large-scale creative, cultural and artistic initiatives that help communities engage with climate change and empower citizens to make meaningful behavioural change.
The Creative Climate Action Fund III is an initiative of the Creative Ireland Programme in partnership with the Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment.
The Creative Climate Action Fund III (2026-2029) will support ambitious, durational projects that bring together expertise from the arts and culture sector, climate science, and community engagement, and is delivered through a cross-Government partnership. 
This Fund is seeking proposals that respond creatively to key national climate priorities, including those set out in the Climate Action Plan 2025, the National Dialogue on Climate Action, and the work of the Just Transition Commission. 
As part of this overall investment, €1 million is being contributed under the Government’s Shared Island initiative. This Shared Island funding may be granted to projects with a strong all-island, North-South or East-West partnership, or to projects conceived and delivered entirely on a Shared Island basis. The aim for Shared Island supported projects is to promote cross-border cooperation and deepen collaboration between communities and citizens engaging with climate change, in both jurisdictions, across the island.
Funding is aimed at organisations with experience in delivering public engagement projects at scale, proposing projects with extensive public participation over time. Grants of between €400,000 and €750,000 will be available for projects delivered over a four-year period. 
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said:
“Climate change is a critical, shared challenge and I welcome this opportunity, supported by the Government’s Shared Island Fund, for those in the arts, culture, climate and science, and community engagement sectors across this island to collaborate to increase public awareness of climate challenges and to support the public in taking impactful, sustainable actions.” 
Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD said:  
“I am proud to see Government supporting this innovative approach to addressing the challenges posed by climate change, and to see Ireland leading in embracing the power of creative practices to capture hearts, stir minds and spark lasting change in communities as we move towards a more sustainable world. Through this fund, communities are supported to deepen their connection with their natural environment, explore creative approaches, and imagine a more sustainable future together.”
Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien TD said: 
“The climate challenges we face require strong collaboration across Government and society. We welcome the role of the creative and cultural sector in helping to deliver the priorities of the national Climate Action Plan and in supporting the systemic change needed to adapt to, and mitigate against, a crisis that is already affecting communities across the island.”
Applications will open on February 16, 2026, at Creative Grant Call 2025 - Creative Ireland Programme and will close on April 15, 2026.
Notes to the Editor

• Since 2021, the Creative Ireland Programme, through the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, in partnership with the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, and the Department of the Taoiseach, has invested a total of €8.5m in 57 Creative climate action projects.
• The Government’s Shared Island initiative aims to harness the full potential of the Good Friday Agreement to enhance cooperation, connection and mutual understanding on the island and engage with all communities and traditions to build consensus around a shared future.
• For more information, visit https://www.creativeireland.gov.ie/en/creative-grant-call
• Information on previous projects funded under Creative Climate Action is available here.