Dun Laoghaire awarded €0.5m for road repairs – Mitchell O’Connor

Fine Gael Dun Laoghaire Deputy, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, has welcomed the announcement of €505,527 which is being awarded to Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council as part of an allocation of €50 million to repair and maintain our local and regional roads nationally.

“Despite our budgetary constraints these days, the Government recognises the importance of carrying out surface repair works and ensuring the safety of our roads. The responsibility for the upkeep of our roads lies primarily with local authorities, however, Exchequer grants such as this one can sometimes supplement spending.

“This money is being made available immediately and must be spent by the end of the year. In instances where local authorities feel that there are particular safety schemes that need to be progressed in their area, an application can be made to the department of Transport for some of the funds to be used to that end.

“The allocation to each local authority reflects, in part, the record of each local authority in funding repairs from their own resources. It is crucial therefore that Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council continues to channel its own resources into road repairs to ensure that we get an appropriate piece of the pie in terms of future funding allocations.

“Allocations for 2014 will be made in the same way, reflecting the proportion of how much each local authority spends of their discretionary income on their regional and local roads network. This should incentivise local authorities to keep focused on spending on roads, despite the difficult financial environment.

“Dun Laoghaire gets a significant amount of passing traffic, especially at the weekends and during the summer months, so it is vital that our roads do not fall into a state of disrepair. Keeping Dun Laoghaire in good condition by repairing surface road works and filling potholes will benefit the local communities and keep the tourist coming throughout the year.”

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