Due to the unprecedented damage to roads in the East Cork area over Christmas, additional funding for repairs will be available from the Government, says Cork East Fine Gael TD, David Stanton. Local Authorities have been asked to apply to the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport for funding, in addition to the normal annual road grant allocations from Government.
“The flooding and severe weather over the Christmas period caused very serious damage to our local road network which, I understand, from Cork County Council has resulted in more than 60 road collapses and/or flooding on rural East Cork roads. I understand that Cork County Council are currently conducting an audit of the full extent of restructuring works but estimate that recent damage could cost at least €10 million in Co. Cork alone. This is in addition to monies already required for extensive pothole repairs. It is this audit that will be used to prepare an application for Department of Transport for additional funding”, noted Deputy Stanton.
“Personally, I have been in contact with the Taoiseach and the Minister for Transport on the need for funding to be made available as soon as possible as some roads that I have visited in East Cork are still impassable. While the Council and staff are working very hard to carry out repairs, financing and labour resources may be an issue due to the scale of the problem.
“As soon as the Department receives applications from the Local Authorities funding will be made available so that the vital drainage and repair works can be completed straight away.
