Road funding is good news for Cork drivers

Fine Gael Cork South West Deputy, Áine Collins, has welcomed the announcement of more than €6.5 million to be spent on the upkeep and repair of local and regional roads across the county. The announcement was made by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar TD, as part of an overall package of €50 million for roads nationally.

“As part of a €50 million expenditure allocation that has been approved by Government for the repair, upkeep and maintenance of local and regional roads across the country, Cork County Council has been allocated €5,818,342, with the City Council being awarded €759,304.

“This total of €6,577,646 is the largest amount allocated to any county, reflecting the size of Cork and the sustained focus that the local authorities have kept on maintaining good quality roads.

“Local authorities are the bodies responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of our regional and local roads and the allocation to each local authority reflects, in part, the record of each local authority in respect of funding repairs from their own resources. Many local authorities have been under financial pressure in recent years, however, it is crucial that the eye is not taken off the ball and the money continues to be provided to ensure our potholes are filled and our roads remain safe.

“When considering allocation for next year, the proportion of how much each local authority spends of their discretionary income on their regional and local roads network will be taken into account so I would encourage Cork City and County Council to maintain a reasonable level of spending of their own resources on our roads to ensure that the county does not lose out.

“The €6.5 million that has been allocated today must be spent by the Local Authorities this year. It is hoped that the funds will be used for surface restoration works, however, if there are   particular safety schemes that the Council feels need to be addressed an application can be made to the Department of Transport for a portion of   funds to be used on that basis.

“I am delighted that such a significant amount of money has been awarded to Cork and I look forward to seeing the impact these funds have on our local and regional roads.”