Highway robbery claim as district left short for roads cash
A MOVE was made to increase funding for road works in the New Ross District at the meeting on the basis that it has the largest road network of the four County Wexford districts.
Cllr John Fleming raised the issue highlighting how the Wexford district has a greater funding allocation. Speaking during a discussion on a draft budget plan for 2017, Cllr Fleming said: ‘ The New Ross district has the most kilometres of roads. Why isn’t that reflected in the money we get?’
District Director Eamonn Hore said the Wexford councillors get a higher allowance altogether because they number ten councillors and the allowance is paid out per member. Mr Hore said the money goes towards not only roads, but also parking and public lights.
Cllr Fleming said the New Ross district has grown and has taken on Taghmon and Rathnure, areas which needed major investment in their crumbling roadways. ‘We are not getting our fair share at all,’ he said.
Head of finance Annette O’Neill said road maintenance works funding is divided per kilometre so the New Ross district is getting the most from that funding source. ‘My point is that it should all be divided that way. Compared to Wexford we have a lot more lorries, tractors and diggers on our roads,’ Cllr Fleming insisted. ‘Maybe be should push for ten members of New Ross Municipal District,’ Mr Hore added.
When asked about how the decision was arrived at to allocate the funding per member and not per area by Cathaoirleach Michael Whelan, Ms O’Neill, said: ‘It was decided at the outset that it was a reasonable approach to have.’
It was suggested that the New Ross council should pass a resolution that it gets and equal general municipal allocation as Wexford in the next budget. Cllr Larry O’Brien said New Ross has suffered from a lack of funding for its large road network for many years. ‘We now have Taghmon and Rathnure within the district and a lot of money has been spent on works which were badly needed. Can we apply for additional funding from the department for the work we had to do?’
Cllr Michael Sheehan seconded this suggestion. Mr Hore said the current funding allocation system rebalances the same as the system that was in place prior to the abolition of town councils.
‘ The New Ross district gets the most by far for road maintenance as funding is based on a per kilometre basis.’
Cllr Fleming’s suggestion was unanimously supported. LITTLE SEAS are forming in giant potholes at Little Sea, Barrystown, whenever it rains.
Cllr Martin Murphy raised the issue, saying some potholes are almost a foot deep at the scenic area at Bannow. He said: ‘A lot of people use the area. Can there be a special plan for special attention for it between tourism and other funding sources?’
Engineer Abraham Dunne said repair works can be carried out. Clearance works at Clonmines are also needed.