Millions needed to repair damaged Kilkenny roads causing ‘grave disruption’

Motorists in County Kilkenny are facing “grave disruption” due to the damaged state of local roads, the Dáil has heard.

The issue was raised by Carlow-Kilkenny Fine Gael TD Catherine Callaghan during a recent Taoiseach’s Questions session.

Deputy Callaghan said: “I wish to raise the state of our local roads in my constituency of Carlow-Kilkenny.

“While the recent spell of persistent heavy rain has thankfully ceased for the moment, the damage done to our roads in the flash floodings of January this year, particularly in rural parts of Carlow and Kilkenny, is still very evident and is causing grave disruption and inconvenience, disproportionately affecting rural dwellers.

“I commend Carlow and Kilkenny county councils, which have worked hard at making our local roads passable, but they are a long way from being sufficiently repaired.”

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She continued by saying that it was not the fault of the two local authorities that the roads have not been repaired.

“The reason for that is not the lack of will of both local authorities but the delay in receipt of the emergency funding that was promised from the Government.

“Following the surveys that have been done, it is estimated that Carlow County Council needs approximately €4 million and Kilkenny County Council needs an estimated €5 million to return those severely damaged roads to pre-flood conditions.

“Where is the promised funding for local authorities and when will it be released to Carlow and Kilkenny county councils?”

In response to Deputy Callaghan, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said that the Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien is working on distributing the funding.

The Taoiseach stated: “The Minister has sought submissions from local authorities across the length and breadth of the country in respect of damage done in recent storms and flooding that occurred.

“The Minister is assessing those submissions now with a view to allocations to try to help the county councils concerned.”