County to receive €18.6m under regional and local road allocations

OVER €500K PUT ASIDE FOR WORK ON WEXFORD’S BRIDGES

ALWAYS a subject that generates animated debate in the council chamber, there was confirmation last week that Wexford County Council is to receive €18.6 million under the regional and local road allocations for 2021.

The bulk of the funds will be used for improvements to the county’s road network, while €464,000 has been allocated to bridge rehabilitation works to 16 bridges around the county, with an additional €100,000 for the historic Deeps Bridge over the River Slaney.

Of our bridges in line for work under bridge rehabilitation funding, Wexford Bridge will be the biggest beneficiary, receiving €50,000 for a detailed inspection of the bridge and work on the bridge joint on the town side. There was also €50,000 set aside for works to Clonmore Bridge. Other notable inclusions were Garryrichard Bridge (€40,000) Ballintray Bridge (€35,000), Carrigmanon Bridge (€35,000) and Ballinaclash Bridge (€35,000).

In terms of safety and improvement works, €38,000 was allocated to address a long sweeping bend on the R725 at Ballyellis, known locally as Doyle’s Corner. €37k is to be used to install lighting at Tomsilla upper and another €37k for works at Moore’s Crossroads, New Ross.

In the Wexford District, the allocation of €33,000 for traffic calming at Castlebridge School was welcomed by locals, while a zebra crossing for Brendan Corish Gardens (€15,000) was seen as a vital investment by local representatives. In Enniscorthy, the allocation of €28,000 to address the sweeping bend at Arnold’s Cross was welcomed.

Minister James Browne welcomed the funding allocation for the county. ‘As a county dependent on a solid road network I am pleased to see €9.5m will be ring fenced specifically for improvements to our road network,’ he said. ‘This annual funding, alongside funding from the Local Authority ensures the upkeep of our regional and local road network. I am certain our Engineers and Officials in Wexford County Council will put this funding to good use over the coming months.’