Rural Waterford projects on backfoot

Rural projects are taking a backseat to urban projects due to National Transport Authority (NTA) policy.

At the Plenary meeting of Waterford City and County Council (WCCC), the subject of Active Travel was raised. 

Cllr Declan Clune reiterated the issue at the September meeting of the Comeragh Council. 

He said: "We had a number of shovel-ready projects in this district and other districts as well. For example, Brown Street in Portlaw, Dunhill and to a certain extent Kilmeaden, and they had been canned there a few years ago because funding was diverted into urban areas at the expense of rural areas.

"I asked that our applications this year be prioritized to facilitate those projects that were previously delayed going ahead. 

"The acting Director of Services assured us that those projects would be prioritised for 2025."

He added: "I would be hopeful that those projects will go ahead, I just want to put that on your radar."

Senior Engineer for WCCC Gabriel Hynes stated: "While certainly we will include the Comeragh programme within our submission to the NTA for footbed work, however, at present, I wish to advise you that the policy from the NTA is for the larger urban centres.

"The only area in the Comeragh district that I anticipate funding for next year is the completion of the Carrick Road."

He ended: "As it stands at present, I don't envisage any significant active travel funding for the Comeragh district for 2025."