Major funding for roadworks and bridge improvements welcomed
News of a major multi million euro provision of funding for road works including for safety improvements to bridges has been announced.
The tens of millions of euro for the region comes as part of a national €555m funding package by the Department of Transport for road maintenance and strengthening in 2021.
The allocation to Cork County of €66,581,844 was welcomed this week by Fianna Fáil Transport Spokesman and TD, James O’Connor who stressed the allocation was a €9M increase on the 2020 figure.
The funding includes works at Doneraile Bridge of €33,562, Baker’s Bridge in Araglin gets €32,728, Ballyglissane Bridge gets €168,900, Ballykenley Bridge in Glanworth gets €268,020, with a Road Retaining allocation for the Mogeely to Dungourney road of €58,210.
Other works include: Traffic calming measures in Rathcormac €75,000; Traffic calming measures on Brigown Road, Mitchelstown €25,000; Traffic calming measures at Knockraha in the vicinity of the National School €25,000, while Rathcormac South resurfacing project will see a provision of €302,400.
Deputy O’Connor said Cork County was in serious need of maintenance of its regional road network and it is critical that our road network is kept in good condition.
“The increase in funding highlights the commitment of this Government to further strengthen our road network and ensure that our towns and villages across the country remain connected,” said Deputy O’Connor.
“Local councillors will be informed of the breakdown of funding through their Municipal Districts where this funding will be allocated.
“I will continue to work to ensure that our regional infrastructure is maintained as part of our commitment to balanced regional development as Fianna Fáil Transport Spokesperson,” he said.
HELP TO ENHANCE RATHCORMAC
Cllr William O’Leary spoke of his delight at news of the Rathcormac allocation.
“This is great news for the area - it ties in very well with the Rathcormac 2030 plan and especially the traffic calming measures which are long overdue.
“This is what we have been campaigning for over the recent years and this will enhance the life of our village. It will also give control back to pedestrians,” he said.
€30M FOR LIMERICK
Limerick City and County sees an allocation of almost €30.5 million for regional and local roads. Minister Niall Collins welcomed the news and said that the investment was critical for the connectivity of towns and villages and the safety of road users.
“This funding will go towards Strategic Regional and Local Roads projects, road pavement strengthening works and safety improvement works, among other important road improvement features.
“Strengthening the road connectivity throughout Limerick will serve to attract new private investment and enterprise to the region and improve the road network for communities across the county,” he said.
Minister Patrick O’Donovan also welcomed it with particular mention of the improvements for cyclists. “Funding for the roll out of a signage programme relating to lower speed limits in housing areas as well as ‘safe passing’ signs for cyclists will also be provided for as part of today’s allocations,” he said.
Stresing that routine maintenance works are fundamental to safeguarding road infrastructure and keeping the network in a good condition, he said: “All strategic road improvement investment schemes will include provisions for walking and cycling infrastructure to take account of the needs of all road users, including cyclists and pedestrians.”
Commend his colleagues Minister Eamon Ryan and Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton for this ‘critically important investment’, he said it will make ‘a huge difference to our road network in Limerick’.
There is good news for the community of Doneraile according to Fianna Fáil TD for Cork East, James O’Connor, as funding for ‘two general classrooms, prefab replacements for Nagle Rice Secondary School, Doneraile under the Additional Accommodation Scheme 2020’, has been secured. writesNiall O’Connor.
Deputy O’Connor welcomed the allocation of the additional accommodation and will continue to work with the Department of Education to ensure the upgrading and improvement of school facilities across Cork East.
“School capacity is a critical issue for Cork East. With a growing and young population, it is essential that we continue to have an investment in school infrastructure across the constituency. I will continue to work with the Department of Education to ensure this happens.
“I am very anxious to secure increased investment into North Cork school facilities.
“I want to pay tribute to the Nagle Rice board of management and wish them well with the development. I recognise the requirement for investments,” he said.