€2.9m announced for national roads and greenways in Louth

Louth County Council has been allocated €2,967,959 for national roads and greenways, as part of a total of over €500 million allocated to national roads and greenways nationwide, it was announced today. The allocations will be made to local authorities across the country through Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).

Of the €2.9 million, €1,628,000 is earmarked for Capital Investment - Protection & Renewal & Active Travel. €240,000 has been allocated to Construction of New Roads, namely the planned Ardee Bypass. €249,959 is going towards Current Maintenance - Protection & Renewal; and €850,000 is earmarked for greenways.

With regards the Capital Investment - Protection & Renewal & Active Travel allocation, €128,000 of this relates to Local Authority Support (Improvement) 2024; €50,000 for minor works at Castle Street, Ardee; €150,000 for minor works on the R169; and €400,000 for works on the Funshog pavement.

€500,000 has been allocated to the N53 Hackballscross to Rassan for works, and €400,000 for works on the N52 Ballygowan pavement.

The €850,000 greenway funding is to go towards the Dundalk Bay to Carlingford Lough Greenway.

Welcoming the funding for works in Ardee, Cllr Dolores Minogue said that "I'm thrilled to announce additional funding for the Ardee Mid Louth area from TII. While this is a positive step forward, more funds are required. 

The Fine Gael councillor added that she would continue to work "to secure as much funding as possible to improve the standard of our roads in Ardee Mid Louth. Due to everyday wear and tear as well as weather conditions, roads can deteriorate rapidly."

News of the funding allocation was also welcomed by Senator Erin McGreehan, who said that "the substantial new funding allocated today is hugely important for National Roads and Greenways here in Louth.

"The funding is part of the government’s investment in improving our national roads and greenways infrastructure. It will help ensure that our roads are safe, reliable and accessible for everyone who uses them.

“A top priority of Fianna Fáil in Government is continuing to invest in the maintenance and improvement of our road network to make it as safe as possible while improving regional connectivity and supporting regional economic development."

Senator McGreehan added that "continued investment in Greenways is welcome, as they protect important habitats and provide corridors for people and wildlife. They help improve air and water quality and provide enjoyable and safe options for transportation, which reduces air pollution, so it is important they continue to receive appropriate investment.”