Cllr Sheridan seeks focus on rural roads in mid-Louth damaged by floods

Cllr John Sheridan has welcomed welcomed additional funding road roads of €472,000 to maintain roads in Louth and has asked Louth County Council to focus on rural roads in mid-Louth following the damage caused to roads by the bad weather. 

"I have been consistently calling for extra funding for our roads since the persistent rain during the winter and spring", said in a statement to the Dundalk Democrat.

He continued: "This has left so many rural roads in an awful condition. This is real impact of climate change we are seeing ourselves. Persistent rain also prevents the Council being able to get out and rectify potholes over the winter period.

"I know there was one off funding given for the Peninsula following the flooding last Halloween, I really hope this funding today can be focused on mid-Louth because we have quite a number of roads virtually impassable.

"I have spoken to dozens of people over recent months who have damaged cars to the tune of hundreds of euro on many of our rural roads. Surface water masking potholes is a significant issue. I acknowledge huge work done in recent weeks by the council to rectify potholes but it was obvious more funding was needed.

"At recent municipal and county council meetings, I have said we needed additional funding from national government. I lobbied Minister for Transport Jack Chambers on this issue when he visited Ardee earlier this month. I am glad the Minister has acted on this request." 

The Ardee councillor added, "as mentioned at last week's County Council meeting, we also need a new application window for the Community Involvement Scheme (CIS) for rural lanes as the last application period closed a year ago this week and a year is a long time for roads to deteriorate.

"I am speaking to residents who didn't apply last June and whose roads are virtually impassable now. So I think this needs to take place as soon as possible"