Cllrs told roadworks in Dundalk in September due to allocation timing

Councillor were told at the Dundalk Municipal District September meeting that the timing of funding allocations for roads is the primary reason that roadworks are being carried out in September and not during the summer months when schools are on holiday.

Cllr Robert Nash pointed out that every year it happens that no road works take place in summer and then begin in September and called for a stipulation that works must be done during summer months.

Cllr Seán Kelly pointed out that while the resurfacing works in town are needed and welcomed, it always seems to happen that the take place during the beginning of September. Cllr Kelly put forward that the process should begin earlier in the year to ensure the works can be done during summer.

Responding to the members, Senior Engineer Paddy Connolly, said that the Council can only put the tenders out when it gets the money, and that the allocations are not normally made until April each year.

Once the allocations are made, the procurement process begins and that it takes at least two months. This year due to an issue with the first tender, the Council had to go to a second tender, which caused a further delay. Mr Connolly added that they do the work as quickly as they can, and is the funding was released earlier in the year, they could possibly have the jobs finished earlier also.

Cllr Antóin Watters proposed that they write to the Department of Transport, requesting that allocations be made earlier in the year, which would allow the Council begin its process, which the members agreed to do.