Breakdown in road funding outlined

The breakdown of a €17 million investment for local and regional roads in County Cavan was revealed at the March monthly meeting.

Roads in the Bailieborough Cootehill Municipal District are set to receive €6,259,972, the largest sum received by a district in the county. This, it's hoped, will cover works to 1092.41 kilometres of road.

Cavan Belturbet has been allocated a share of €5,487,437, to target 849.1 kilometres of roads.

Meanwhile, the Ballyjamesduff Municipal District will benefit from €5,269,591, covering approximately 946.41 kilometres.

While the level of funding has increased, the figure does not take the cost of inflation into account.

This has resulted in an estimated €1.5 million shortfall in funding to cover projects scheduled for the 2023 programme.

Consequentially, proposed works on multiple roads are due to be shortened by kilometre measurements, while works on other roads will be delayed until next year.

Speaking at the recent council meeting, Aontú Councillor Sarah O’Reilly said the shortfall was “absolutely shameful".

“We received €17.5M for local and regional roads. In 2009 we received €18.2. Last year, roads were dropped. This year, works are being shortened or removed and there’s no mention of them being put back on next year.”

The council agreed to write to Minister for Transport, Eamonn Ryan, requesting he take immediate action to increase the budget for roads in line with inflation costs.

Meanwhile, details of Restoration Improvement Works for each Municipal District were also presented at the meeting.