By Dan Walsh
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien and Ministers of State Seán Canney and Jerry Buttimer today announced Department of Transport funding of €40 million to address the damage caused to regional and local roads by Storm Chandra last January.
Wexford County Council is to receive €13.49 million. Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD informed WexfordLocal.com of this “significant and critical announcement this morning for Wexford.”
“I have secured €13.49 million from Minister Darragh O’Brien to aid Wexford’s storm damage repairs and can confirm that it has been allocated today. Since the storm hit us, I have been pressing hard for this to be secured to support the work of Wexford County Council,” concluded Minister Browne.
Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council Cllr Lisa McDonald welcomed the announcement. “This is the biggest ever announcement for rural roads in the county outside of our usual allocation,” she said.
Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow–Wexford, Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin, has welcomed the allocation and told WexfordLocal.com the funding will benefit rural communities across North Wexford, including areas such as Gorey, Courtown, Riverchapel, Ballymoney, Kilmuckridge, Ballycanew, Oulart, Monamolin, and Camolin,Bunclody, Ballindaggin and others where road conditions have been a long-standing concern for residents.
Deputy Ó Súilleabháin stressed that it does not go far enough. “This €13.49 million allocation is very welcome and will deliver much-needed improvements. However, more funding is required. Wexford County Council has indicated that the true cost of bringing all rural roads back to a safe and acceptable standard is closer to €20 million, leaving a significant shortfall.”
Fine Gael TD for Wicklow Wexford Brian Brennan told WexfordLocal.com; “I am delighted that this funding has been approved. The damage caused by Storm Chandra was unprecedented and left a trail of devastation in its wake.
“The cost of repair of this damage is enormous and would put massive strain on the Council’s already tight roads Budget. I have been working closely with Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive, Wexford County Council, the Tanaiste and Minister for Finance and all relevant Departments to get this funding over the line and I am both delighted and relieved to see this allocation delivered.
WexfordLocal.com 