€26m for renewal of regional and local road network

Meath County Council has been allocated €26 million for the maintenance and renewal of the regional and local road network in the county.

Minister Helen McEntee said: “This funding of €26,145,367 will cover routine maintenance to safeguard our infrastructure, ensure that our local and regional roads are resilient against the deteriorating effects of climate change and also contains provisions for walking and cycling infrastructure and safety schemes.

Meanwhile, Cllr Michael Gallagher said he could not support the roads programme this year.

" There needs to be a proper funded plan for the next three years to improve the standard of the rural roads in North Meath. Over a number of years these roads have been massively underfunded. North Meath was receiving 20 per cent of the county's funding despite the Kells area having 36per cent of the rural roads.

“This lack of funding over years has caused a dramatic deterioration in the integrity of roads.

“From Drumconrath, Rathkenny, and right across North Meath to Oldcastle we are now seeing the chickens coming home to roost as regards to chronic underfunding

Meanwhile the Navan roads programme will include work on the Balreask Village, Silverbrook and Canterbrook housing estates, improvement works at Newgate and the Liscarton Industrial estate as well as restoration maintenance at Bohermeen, Bective, Shambo, Johnstown and Balgill. There will also be work at Black Road, Swan Lane , Oldtown, Ongenstown, Cairn Hill, Grange and Neilstown.