County engineer reveals ‘unprecedented levels’ of road maintenance funding

WATERFORD county engineer John O’Flynn has announced details of “unprecedented levels” of road maintenance funding for the current year, describing the record high allocation of €25.57 million as a “win-win good news story” for Waterford County Council.

Disclosing details of the multi-million euro package of expenditure for the county’s roads in 2006, Mr O’Flynn said it is the highest ever level of funding available to the local authority.

“It is an increase of 14% over last year’s record figure, and our 2006 allocation is more than treble its 1998 level. This shows the council’s commitment to a high quality roads network, which is vital to the county’s economy,” he said.

Mr O’Flynn said that as well as allowing for the significant upgrading of their roads network and its ongoing maintenance, their 2006 programme will also incorporate a number of measures targeted at improving road safety, which is a major corporate objective of the council.

The proposed road safety measures will include skid resistant surfacings, school warning lights, signposting and lining.

The county engineer said their national road grant allocations have been increased by 32% to almost €10m and this will enable the major N25 realignment programme, including an underpass at Piltown Cross. Major rehabilitation works at Youghal Bridge will also be undertaken.

Mr O’Flynn said that in 2006 a record €15.7m will be spent on the county’s non-national roads.