Disappointment Over Roads Funding For 2017

Disappointment has been expressed in Clare over the level of funding allocated towards the upkeep of local and regional roads in 2017.

Disappointment has been expressed in Clare over the level of funding allocated towards the upkeep of local and regional roads in 2017.

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The Transport Minister has admitted that, despite securing an increase in the roads budget, only half of the money required is available.

The Transport Minister has told an oireachtas committee that 580 million euro a year is needed to maintain the standard of local and regional roads.

However, despite that, Minister Shane Ross has secured only 275 million for the job this year, less than half of what's needed. 

Since 2008, the allocation for Clare's Roads Network is down by over 45%, while the amount of roads money coming from the Council itself has also been under pressure because of a further reduction in its funding.

Clonlara Independent Councillor Michael Begley believes that failure to maintain deteriorating roads adds to increased costs in the long run.

The Leas Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council says that a balance has to be struck between this and other issues like the health service and education.

But Clarecastle Fine Gael Councillor Paul Murphy says he's not satisfied with the level of funding for next year.