Huge funding shortfall for Waterford traffic calming scheme

The traffic calming scheme at the Old Kilmeadan Road/ R680 is set to cost in the region of €1 million.

That is according to Senior Engineer Gabriel Hynes at last week’s sitting of Comeragh District Council. He said that although the council received €300,000 in funding, the cost of the scheme would be much higher.

“We will be looking for additional funding for that scheme. It will cost in the region of €1 million at least. So we will be going to the department for that shortfall,” said Mr Hynes.

Mr Hynes was responding to Councillor John O’Leary, who requested an update on the project.

Comeragh District Engineer Maria Goff said they were making “reasonable progress”, and the project is set to be completed by January 2025.

Cllr O’Leary also raised an issue where a bus service is having difficulty picking up passengers because of the works.

“What is the future of having a bus service there? I don’t want to seem ungrateful. It is wonderful that we have that traffic calming works taking place on it," said Cllr O’Leary.

Mr Hynes said they are in consultation with Bus Éireann, who are to carry out a risk assessment.

At the same meeting, Cllr O’Leary asked if a controlled crossing is needed at Centra Kilmeadan for students from Clochán and Fan Glas walking to their bus in the mornings. And, he said, there is an issue with speeding in the area around Clochán.

“Students, in particular, are finding it very difficult to cross the road at a particular point,” said Cllr O’Leary.

Mr Hynes said the speed limit would come under the speed review but they would examine the need for a crossing.