Close to €20 million funding allocated for Waterford roads

Close to €20 million has been allocated for regional and local roads in Waterford, it has been confirmed. 

A total of €19,717,250 has been allocated as part of a significant investment programme aimed at supporting communities, rural businesses, and connectivity in 2023 through the restoration and improvement of regional and local roads.

The funding package will allow for road maintenance, strengthening, pavement and rehabilitation works. This is in addition to the €269,062 which was allocated under the 2023 Local Improvement scheme.

See a full breakdown of the funding below.

Fianna Fáil TD Minister Mary Butler said: "This investment will allow us to repair, strengthen and maintain our roads across the county, ensuring they are fit for purpose. We are dedicating resources towards initiatives such as road repair, bridge rehabilitation, road safety measures, community engagement, drainage improvements, and climate change adaptation. 

"These roads are imperative for children getting to school and people getting to work safely. Rural regeneration is a key priority for Fianna Fáil in Government and this investment programme for 2023 is further evidence of this," said Minister Butler.

"The regional and local roads programme is crucial for the economy and communities in Ireland. With 94,000 kilometres of regional and local roads, making up 94% of the country's roads, it is important to maintain and improve these roads for the safety and well-being of the public. These roads carry about 55% of all the traffic and for many local businesses, these roads are the only access to their customers," she said.

Minister Butler concluded: "A key priority for Fianna Fáil in Government continues to be the protection and renewal of the existing regional and local road network''.

Senator John Cummins also welcomed the funding: "I am delighted to see this well needed allocation come to fruition, it is important we maintain and improve the roads we have. This funding is being targeted at remedial measures which will improve road safety for vulnerable road users as well as vehicular traffic, which is much needed as we continue to strive for better and safer infrastructure.”

Senator Cummins said: "This significant sum of money will help keep our roads safe and our county accessible. The table below displays the break down of the €19,717,250 for Waterford.

Senator Cummins said: "In addition to this, improvement works for rural roads and laneways in Waterford will receive crucial funding to improve accessibility and boost connectivity. €269,062 has been allocated under the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS), which aims to help communities improve non-public roads and lanes that are not typically maintained by local authorities".