22% Increase on 2017 Allocation
Regional and local roads in Cork County are to receive a significant funding increase this year. The 22% increase to Cork County Council’s roads budget from the Department of Transport has been welcomed by Cork East Fine Gael TD and Minister of State at the Department of Justice & Equality, David Stanton.
“I was delighted to see Cork County receive €44.093 million. This is over 10.5% of the total budget of €416.8 million allocated across the country. This funding will used to maintain and improve local roads and will also allow safety improvement works to be carried out throughout the county. It is essential that our infrastructure is capable of meeting the demands of our expanding economy and it is also vital for road safety and our efforts to reduce the number of road fatalities which hit the lowest level since records began last year.
“This years’ allocation to Cork County Council will exceed what was paid to Cork in 2009. While it is still less than what was allocated in 2007 and 2008 it marks considerable progress in restoring road funding to what is needed.”, said Minister Stanton
“In addition, to restoration, improvements and maintenance the funding announcement also includes allocations for initiatives such as the Surface Dressing Programme, Restoration Improvement Grant and Bridge Rehabilitation. Nationally, there is also €10 million available under the Community Involvement Scheme and €10 million for a new Drainage scheme. These grants are in addition to the €17.4 million allocated under the Local Improvement Scheme in the last year.
“While local authorities were able to use general grants for such schemes in recent years, this year ring-fenced funding is being provided. These are areas where I have wanted to see action and I am very glad see this happen this year. There needs to be an increased focus on measures to improve the resilience of the road network.”
