Meath FG TDs welcome announcement of major funding to repair local and regional roads

Fine Gael Meath TDs have today (Wednesday) welcomed the announcement from the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar TD, that €50 million is being made available to repair regional and local road surfaces across the country. The package has been announced as part of the Government’s Investing in Infrastructure and Jobs plan.

Today’s announcement follows a meeting last month between Deputies Damien English, Ray Butler, Regina Doherty and Helen McEntee, and Minister Varadkar, where the Meath TDs called for action on the state of the roads in North Meath. The funding is being provided directly to local authorities, with work due to be carried out this summer and autumn.

Damien English said: ‘Today’s announcement is a clear indication that our representations to Minister Varadkar did not fall on deaf ears. The Minister took our concerns on board, and he also listened to the views expressed by a delegation from Meath County Council, including councillors and officials. I would like to thank the Minister for listening to our concerns and for treating the issue as a priority. It is particularly welcome that this funding is being made available this year, so works can be carried out during the summer and autumn months’.

Deputy Butler said: ‘This funding will be used to improve road surfaces, which will come as a welcome relief to local people across Meath. The roads in Meath have been left in a terrible state for far too long. It is very welcome that Minister Varadkar has recognised the gravity of this situation, and that additional funds are now being made available so work can be carried out in the coming months’.

Deputy Doherty said: ‘This significant investment in our roads should make the network in Meath safer and easier to navigate. The poor quality of local and regional roads in North Meath has been having a major impact on the daily lives of those who use them; I am confident that this funding allocated by Minister Varadkar should make a significant difference’.

Deputy McEntee said: ‘Minister Varadkar saw the poor state of the roads in Meath during the bye-election in March, so I know he has an acute understanding of just how bad the situation is.   This funding for road repairs and restoration is being provided directly to the local authority, so Meath County Council should be in a position to carry out this work very soon’.

ENDS