Waterford council approves 2021 roadworks programme

Queries as to whether the 2021 Waterford City and County Council Roadworks programme would be effectively completed within the year were raised at this week’s special meeting of the Dungarvan Lismore District.

While the 2021 Roadworks Programme was unanimously passed, local councillor James Tobin queried as to whether the programme would be completed and whether the council has the manpower to complete the programme, especially in relation to the Lismore area.

“With all this money, have we the manpower to spend the amount of money we have got? In the Lismore area alone we are down three men and without those men, I cannot see that money being spent,” Cllr Tobin said.

Cllr John Pratt concurred with Cllr Tobin, but however, noted that he had received reassurances that the outdoor staff positions would be filled.

Gabriel Hynes, Senior Engineer with Waterford City and County Council, stated that restrictions in relations to Covid-19 is currently the ‘biggest stumbling issue’ from a roadworks perspective.

“We can only do essential works at the moment and it all depends on when we can go back. If we can go back on March 5, then I’m satisfied in relation to our roadworks programme, like last year, we will get all that implemented,” Mr Hynes said.

WORKS WELCOMED

Low-cost safety scheme works to Dromana Bridge were welcomed by councillor Conor McGuinness who highlighted the impact of large vehicles on the bridge.

“I think we all were contacted last year about the impact of large vehicles on the bridge and on the archway there, and the damage it does to what really is an iconic part of the landscape there,” he said.

Cllr Pratt also welcomed these works, alongside the funding allocated to relieve the issues with flooding on West Street in Tallow outside Pat Casey Tyres, and the commitment from the council to have works on Tallow Bridge completed.

Further works in the programme include a section of the Vee Road and works around Ballyrafter in Lismore, works to the road by Villierstown School, along with a €50,000 allocation to Tallow under Active Travel funding, while Villierstown is also to receive funding for footpaths under Active Travel.

Dungarvan was also allocated funding under the Active Travel programme, however, Cllr McGuinness place emphasis on the need for public consultation regarding how the funding would be spent.

“I would sound a note of caution that the public should be consulted on this. I think perhaps an increased level of public consultation and input into that, might save some issues down the line,” he said.