Dungarvan at risk of being 'leapfrogged' by funding

Concerns were expressed this week regarding the lack of funding for Dungarvan town.

At their monthly meeting, Councillors expressed concern regarding the lack of funding the town has received for various projects when compared to neighbouring towns across Waterford. In raising the issue, Councillor Thomas Phelan asked for an update on the development on the town's Courthouse, saying he had not received any updates on it for over a year.

“I’d like to know when Dungarvan last attracted significant national funding and how much, because I’m worried that Dungarvan is being leapfrogged when it comes to getting funding," he said. 

“I’m very happy for the likes of Ardmore, Cappoquin, Portlaw, Waterford City itself and other places in the county for getting funding, but I’d like to see Dungarvan getting our fair share too," he added.

“I can’t remember when there was news of URDF (Urban Regeneration and Development Fund) funding coming to town...I think at the moment Dungarvan is possibly being overtaken in the funding by other places and I wouldn’t like to see us fall behind.” 

Cllr Phelan said that although things seem to be at a "standstill" in Dungarvan, he is confident that newly appointed District Manager, Ivan Grimes will be instrumental in turning things around.

Councillor Conor McGuinness supported Cllr Phelan in his concerns, saying that local Councillors have been asking for various projects to be enacted in the town, however many of which have not been progressed:

He said: “I think Dungarvan is at risk of being left behind. There are a number of things both big and small that we as Councillors have asked for in Dungarvan ranging from a swimming pool which is a big outlay, to something as simple as public toilets."

“None of this is progresses and this is a serious frustration," he said. "I think that needs to be mentioned and I think we as a council need to acknowledge that Dungarvan is at risk of being left behind.” 

In response to the concerns, Mr Grimes said that he did not fully concur will the perception of Dungarvan being left behind, but that the town will be prioritized for funding in the near future.

“In relation to the perception of a lack of funding in Dungarvan, I’m not sure I entirely agree but I do accept that in terms of funding announcements for other areas it would certainly appear that way," he said.

“I know that colleagues in Economic Development are prioritizing Dungarvan for the next round of URDF funding, which I think is due at the end of this year or early next year and we are looking at projects that will be invested in using this funding. The court building would be an obvious one."