Funding fears are allayed

FEARS that New Ross will lose out on cappital funding under a new EU plan were allayed by District Director Eamonn Hore at the recent New Ross Municipal District meeting.

Cllr John Fleming said under the new INternational Planing Framework 2020-2040 towns with populations of under 10,000 will be considered rural and will lose out on funding.

‘I think it’s really very worrting. It might affect services comnig to the area,’ he said.

‘We are the only town in County Wexford that has under 10,000 inhabitants. We are surrounded by large towns and cities.’

District Director Eamonn Hore said New Ross has a population of around 8,155. ‘I can’t see anything in that document that makes our situation any worse. We are getting more than our fair share of road works, gas and broadband. I think it will help and be a plus as we are close to Waterford. As we have the lowest population, we have the biggest growth potential.’

Cllr Fleming said funding goes to Cork, Limerick and Waterford before it reaches county Wexford.

Planning officer James Lavin said it is a draft document, adding that Wexford County Councikl waqs going to make a submission on it.