High oil prices a concern for Waterford’s Roadworks Programme

Concerns were raised at a recent Waterford Plenary meeting regarding the 2022 Roadworks Programme.

West Waterford councillor Conor D. McGuiness pointed to recent increases in prices at petrol and diesel pumps, claiming that such price increases have a knock-on effect on local authority works.

He also noted increased energy prices and the increased cost of materials in recent times.

“To what level are we looking at a negative impact on our ability to carry out our core functions and to deliver on our road programme?” Cllr McGuinness asked.

In light of the growth in energy prices, Cllr McGuinness also asked if the budget provisions for Waterford

City and County Council would need to be revisited and whether the already agreed roads programme should to be slowed down.

PROCEEDING AS PLANNED AT PRESENT

Senior Engineer with Waterford City and County Council, Gabriel Hynes responded stating that in preparation for the roads programme, modest increases were factored into the cost, however, the current price rises were not anticipated.

Other risks encountered by the council were also noted, such as the price of crude oil and difficulty in sourcing and delivery of materials.

“At present, we are planning to proceed with the roadworks programme as agreed. As the prices increase, it will become more known as we proceed with the programme,” Mr Hynes said.

Mr Hynes noted that looking forward, the council may seek additional funding from the government to cover the agreed roadworks programme, otherwise, a reduction in the programme may be necessary to cover increased costs.

“I would be hopeful that the department would oblige with an additional grant to cover the increase in costs,” he added.

In the event of a reduced roadworks programme, reductions would be dispersed across the county and in all three districts.

“We have outlined our intention at this point and time to complete that programme. If there need to be cutbacks, then they will apply equally across the three districts. I have to wait for further information from the department and see how things play out in relation to the current situation,” Mr Hynes concluded.