€14m roads funding 'a welcome benefit to area' - Smyth

The news that over €14.1m has been allocated to maintain and restore local and regional roads in Westmeath has been welcomed by the Mayor of Mullingar Kinnegad Municipal District Cllr Hazel Smyth.

Speaking this week, Cllr Smyth said that the funding will be a “ a welcome benefit to the local area”.

“This funding is a massive support for keeping the roads of Westmeath in good condition and safe for all to use. I am especially happy to see work will be done on the N4 in Westmeath and various projects from Castlepollard to Delvin, Mullingar to Tubberclair. Not only will this funding maintain our roads, but it will also improve their safety and prepare our road infrastructure to adapt to rising challenges from climate change. This funding will have a positive effect for all road users, including those travelling by public transport, car, cyclists and pedestrians alike.”

The funding will provide for strengthening road pavements, preventative maintenance work and drainage improvements. It will also cover safety improvements and the rehabilitation of bridges. Nationally, €16 million will be provided for 329 climate change adaption and resiliency projects to prepare for the impact of global warming on our road system.

Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan said;

“This funding will support the maintenance of approximately 3,100km of regional and local roads and the strengthening of a further 2,550km. This is long term planning in action, we are maintaining our roads today so that they don’t need expensive repair in the future. We are also planning ahead to adapt our transport network to handle severe weather events and will support 329 climate change adaptation projects across the country.”