THERE was positive news for roads in the Kilmallock area last week when it was revealed at County Hall that there would be an increase in funding this year. The Draft Road Works Scheme 2012 was presented to a meeting of the area councillors, who were told that close to €2.5 million had been provided for roads, an improvement of €70,000 on last year. The largest sum of €1.46 million was allocated for reconstruction of local roads, while the remainder was divided into the following:
Close to €106,000 for regional roads surface dressing, €187,000 for regional roads reconstruction, €480,354 for local roads surface dressing, and €205,000 in a specific improvement grant for work at Burke’s Cross, Galbally.
“We had a list of work to be carried out in 2012 and we made sure those projects got priority,” John Madden, roads engineer for the Kilmallock area told the meeting.
“I believe our roads are in a good state and the outdoor staff must be commended,” said Cllr Bill O’Donnell, FG.
“We have dealt with the areas needing most attention first”.
Cllr Eddie Ryan FF., said it was a very important budget and he would love to have more money.
“We’ve taken the worst roads and we should be able to get 20 more years out of them with the work we are doing this year.
“We had a good winter, so that means there are less repairs needed”.
However, he said he was disappointed that the special grant for councillors had fallen from €15,000 to €10,000.
“We got great use out of it for the community so it’s regrettable that it has decreased in this context”.
Cllr Bill O’Donnell added that it was important that the council could provide funding for particular community groups or tidy towns committees.
