Roads issue 'can’t be sidestepped’ any more
Oireachtas members in Co Cavan have been invited to attend next month’s meeting of Cavan County Council so the need for additional roads funding can be thrashed out once and for all.
The invite was extended by Fianna Fáil’s Cllr John Paul Feeley on foot of a notice of motion by Cllr Trevor Smith (FG) who asked that 'Cavan County Council lobby for a substantial top up on this year’s roadworks allocation'.
Last month, the Department of Transport allocated €19M to the local authority for regional and local road works, compared to €17.5M for the county in 2024.
Cllr Smith pointed out that “most” of the county’s public transport was on main roads which, he added, “are also being widely used by large, agricultural machinery on a daily basis; Co Cavan needs a massive top up on funding this year,” he contended.
Responding to the motion, which received cross-party support during Monday afternoon's meeting of Cavan County Council, Cllr Feeley highlighted how local and regional roads across the county had “deteriorated” and how there wasn’t enough money to upgrade many of the routes and bring them back up to standard.
“We have had the most recent roads funding allocation for this year and, while it is an increase on last year, it barely keeps pace with the construction inflation that is there,” he argued.
“Neither does it allow us to carry out the works that we need to carry out.”
The local area representative in Blacklion went on to say that numerous ministers had visited the county over the last couple of years, saw the state of the roads for themselves, and were provided with detailed presentations by council members regarding the need for additional funding. “Delivery is very important despite all that; this important matter can’t be sidestepped any longer,” fumed Cllr Feeley, before adding the he was extending an invite to Deputy Niamh Smyth (FF), Deputy Brendan Smith (FF) and Senators Pauline Tully (SF), and Sarah O’Reilly (Aontú) to attend the next council meeting.
“I want them to listen to what we have to say about our roads and the absolute needs for more funding. They need to hear first hand the issues that are there and lay out a plan as to what they are going to do for us.”
Impact of Storm Eowyn
Cllr Damien Brady (SF) then offered his full support to Cllr Feeley’s proposal before matters were concluded. “I agree with everything that has been said and I want to pay tribute to my colleagues in the Emergency Services for the great work that they did during Storm Eowyn, and to the council staff for the effort that they put in to help people across this county at that time.”
Independent councillor Brendan Fay told those gathered that once in the chamber, Oireachtas members would be provided with the opportunity to “sit down and look at what needs to be done”.
“Storm Eowyn was the worst - there are still wires hanging on hedges - and we absolutely need more money from government for our roads,” he stated.
Cllr Winston Bennett (FG) added: I second Cllr Feeley’s proposal; to bring all our Oireachtas members here and thrash out the need for additional funding is just what is needed.”