Almost €1 million for roads damaged by excessive rainfall welcomed

Kilkenny is to be allocated €961,000 in additional funding for regional and local roads according to Deputy John McGuinness who has welcomed the news.

"This is very positive news for Kilkenny as we will now get additional funding specifically for local and regional roads that were damaged by persistent rainfall over the winter and spring months. There are many roads throughout the city and county that need work."

"The announcement comes as part of a €30 million package to be spread throughout the country in emergency funds to deal specifically with the impact of climate change, which has contributed to a deterioration in the surface quality of certain parts of the roads network," said Deputy McGuinness.

“I’m delighted to receive confirmation from Minister Jack Chambers last night (Thursday) that Kilkenny is to recieve such funding. He has come to Kilkenny on many occasions on my invitation and has been very forthcoming in providing funding for local projects such as this and of course funding allocated to smaller projects such as the redesign of the railway bridge at O'Loughlin Road," he said.

Meanwhile  Fianna Fáil local election candidate Cllr Deirdre Cullen has also welcomed €961,000 in additional funding for regional and local roads in Co Kilkenny damaged by persistent rainfall over the winter and spring months. 

Cllr Cullen who is running in the Callan/Thomastown LEA on June 7, said: “I’m delighted to receive confirmation from Fianna Fáil Minister Jack Chambers that €961,000 has been allocated for regional and local roads in Co Kilkenny . 

“We need to keep our roads safe. This emergency investment will give Kilkenny County Council the funds necessary to repair potholes and other damage on our roads caused by the extremely heavy rainfall over the winter and spring months.

“In persistent wet conditions, water seepage contributes to damage such as the development of potholes or pavement collapse. 

She added: "Fianna Fáil in Government is committed to supporting local authorities in the maintenance and renewal of the regional and local road network.”

Cllr John Coonan added that the ‘ funds will significantly improve the worst impacted areas of the road network’.