Westmeath councillor blasts border roads ‘neglect’

The condition of Meath roads bordering County Westmeath has come under fire for being substandard with “poor road surfaces, edge failures, potholes, and drainage issues.”

A Westmeath county councillor has condemned what he described as the “ neglect of border roads on the Meath side.”

Sinn Fein's, Cllr David Jones said that Meath County Council appeared to be overlooking the needs of the bordering roads on the Meath side.

“A significant number of my constituents must travel these bordering roads that connect North Westmeath with Meath. Commuters, local businesses, and residents frequently bring their complaints to me, underscoring the impact of substandard poor road surfaces on the Meath roads.”

He said his colleagues, Meath's Cllr Peter Caffrey and Deputy Johnny Guirke have been pushing for the resurfacing and rehabilitation of these border roads for years.

“Despite progress in some areas, Meath’s bordering roads have not received the prioritisation they deserve and require increased investment.

“I have witnessed Cllr Caffrey and Deputy Guirke’s commitment to fighting for road improvements and they have been fighting for North Meath Roads for years and years but Meath County Council have failed to get on top of these roads.

“I acknowledge the on‑the‑ground work carried out by Meath councils outdoor staff. I’m not knocking them for one minute.

“The central question is why Westmeath border roads have made more visible progress under Westmeath’s administration, while Meath’s side of the border continues to lag.

“I call on Meath County Council to elevate these issues and prioritise border-road resurfacing to deliver tangible improvements. The Government must also increase funding for local authorities that can’t seem to keep up with the demand.”