Westmeath to receive €12.8m for regional and local roads
Westmeath County Council is set to receive over €12.8 million for regional and local roads.
Over €6.5m has been allocated for road improvements, while a further €1m has been earmarked for the road maintenance and €460,000 for “climate change adaptation and resilience works”.
A total of €150,000 has been allocated for resurfacing on the N5 at Rochfortbridge, €100,000 has been allocated for improvements on the R390 in Ballinea, while a further €100,000 will be used to improve the R395 in Castlepollard.
Speaking after the funding was announced, Minister of State Peter Burke welcomed the allocation of almost €13m for his home county.
“This funding will be well spent keeping our commuters, motorists, cyclists and pedestrians safe on our roads. Road improvements will make up €6.5 million of the total fund, as well as restoration, where over €1 million will be spent. I am glad to see bridge rehabilitation projects continue to be carried out across the county, as well as funding for the CIS, or the Community Involvement Scheme. Additional funding to increase signage is welcome too, including cycle signs and speed limit signage for both housing areas and in rural areas. Specific safety works will be carried out in Ballinea, Cullion, Tullaniskey, Moate, Mount Temple and in other locations. €150,000 has also been allocated for badly needed resurfacing at Rochfortbridge.
Earlier today Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan TD, announced details of a €597 million investment programme for 2022 for regional and local roads across the country. Overall funding will increase by over 4% this year. The funding package will allow approximately 3,100kms of roads to be maintained and 2,550kms to be strengthened.
Minister Ryan stated: “The main priority in 2022 continues to be the protection and renewal of the existing regional and local road network. Last year I introduced a climate change adaptation grant for works on roads at risk due to the impact of climate change and severe weather events. I am pleased to say that this funding will continue in 2022 with €15 million being allocated for 355 climate change adaptation projects.”