€23.6 million allocated for Waterford roadworks
Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien (centre) with Ministers of State Jerry Buttimer (left) and Seán Canney (right).
The Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien has announced that as part of a €713 million national investment programme in regional and local roads, Waterford is set to receive €23.6 million to improve road quality and to fund the restoration of key road networks.
As part of the programme, Waterford City and County Council has been allocated €10.5 million to fund the restoration and improvement of road networks in the county as well as a €3 million discretionary fund.
Minister of State Mary Butler welcomed the announcement saying that the investment will allow the county to “repair, strengthen and maintain our roads across Waterford, ensuring they are fit for purpose”.
“We are dedicating resources towards key initiatives such as road repair, bridge rehabilitation, road safety measures, community engagement, drainage improvements, and climate change adaptation,” she said.
The newly appointed Chief Whip said that the investment by the Department of Transport “is so important for rural regeneration, which is supplemented by the protection and renewal of the existing regional and local road network in Waterford".
The Fianna Fáil TD said she was particularly pleased to see that an allocation of €250,000 has been denoted for the road safety improvement works at the R680 Old Kilmeaden Road.
Minister of State Butler also welcomed a sum of €350,000 which has been allocated for the R675 East Boatstrand Road Realignment project: “These safety works will focus on the issue of coastal slippage which is very welcome considering parts of the roads had collapsed due to erosion in certain areas.”
“€2,500,000 has been allocated in funding for roads specifically affected by severe weather. Many main roads and key routes in West Waterford and beyond have been affected by significant weather events which unfortunately seem to be occurring more frequently in recent years.
“This allocation for Waterford is part of a national investment package of €713m aimed at restoring the network which is essential for maintaining social and economic connectivity, linking people and places across the county."
