Wicklow roads funding
Deputy Brady objected to a cut in Wicklow’s roads funding and cited storm damage, potholes and vehicle damage across the county. The Taoiseach said Wicklow had received substantial funding and that councils were being supported to repair storm-damaged roads.
Last week, the Government decided to cut the 2026 funding to Wicklow County Council for regional and local roads - a cut of over €300,000 when our roads are already deteriorating. It is unacceptable. Recent storms and bad weather have made a bad situation worse not just in Wicklow but right across the State. Potholes have multiplied and surfaces are crumbling. I have been contacted by many constituents facing costly repairs for blown-out tires, damaged suspension and cracked alloys. One motorist had his drive shaft broken because of the condition of Wicklow's roads. This is a road safety issue that is costing motorists and putting their safety at risk. Wicklow's population has grown and traffic volumes are rising. Wicklow County Council says it simply does not have sufficient funding to address the severity of the condition of the roads in Wicklow. The Government should be increasing the funding allocation not cutting it at this time. Will the Government commit to reversing the €300,000 cut and increase the funding to address the issue in Wicklow?
Comment on this
Wicklow got about €14.9 million, which is a very substantial amount. In terms of the storm damage, we have told the county councils to continue and work away at fixing those roads. Estimates are coming in from the councils separate from their normal road budget, although there are contingencies built into their normal allocation. Nonetheless we do accept that under Storm Éowyn there were particular impacts, so the Department of Transport is working with county councils, including the Deputy's county council, regarding the estimation of the damage done to the roads as a result of the recent flooding in particular.