A €626 million investment programme for 2023 for regional and local roads has been announced and of this allocation, €13.5m will come to County Laois.
This funding is to carry out road pavement and rehabilitation works and for regional and local roads to be maintained and strengthened.
€324,000 has been allocated to safety improvement works on roads in Abbeyleix, Ballacolla, Killenard, Tinnahinch, Mountrath and The Heath.
Nine Laois bridges are to receive €535,000 including Woodenbridge in Ballacolla and Boleybeg Bridge in Spink.
There will be €410,000 invested for climate change adaptation works which includes flood prevention in housing estates.
Two Laois roads that were downgraded from being N7 and N8 national roads are getting €650,000 in repairs, the R445 and R639 near the M7 motorway in south Laois.
Minister for State Sean Fleming said: “I would also in particular like to highlight the special funding allocated to the Meelick Road, Portlaoise; Woodenbridge, Ballacolla; Boleybeg Bridge at Spink Creamery; The Heath Cross, Portlaoise and Tinweir, Durrow.
“This announcement, so early in the year, gives Laois County Council plenty of time to carry out all of these very important works in 2023.”
Deputy Charlie Flanagan said: “I very much welcome confirmation that Laois County Council is to receive €13,586,290 for regional and local roads this year.
“The main priority in 2023 continues to be the protection and renewal of the existing regional and local roads. Funding is being allocated to a number of maintenance and improvement projects.
“The total figure of €13,449,496 for Laois includes the significant amount of €6,920,500 for restoration improvement, €1,010,500 for Restoration Maintenance and €410,000 for Climate Change Adaption & Resilience Works.
“This funding for roads in Laois will make a big difference to people and businesses locally. Ensuring the upkeep and maintenance of our road network is essential in facilitating our future economic growth and securing job creation.”
Minister Pippa Hackett said: “This announcement is vital for both the communities and economy of Laois that our regional and local roads are maintained and strengthened, and all the more important now that we must adapt to climate change.
“I particularly welcome the funding for Safety Improvement works of €324,000 for 8 projects across the county including 3 in Abbeyleix; at Crookedwood Cross and on the Ballyroan Road.
“I am aware of concerns regarding driver behaviour on the approach roads to Abbeyleix and welcome this coordinated approach. Others include Mountrath, Rosenallis and Ballacolla.
“Climate change adaptation works funded this year include €120,000 for Tinweir, Durrow and €130,000 for Cloncanon, Mountmellick. I am glad to see a Specific Improvement Grant of €150,000 for Meelick Road and a total of €650,000 for rehabilitation works to R445 and R639 which were formally the N7 and N8 respectively.
“This funding is allocated to a broad variety of road maintenance and improvement aspects across Laois.
“In addition to the projects named there is additional funding allocated to road safety schemes and signage that target improved road safety for vulnerable road users and vehicular traffic.
“These grants supplement local authorities’ own resources expenditure on regional and local road projects and does not represent the total investment in regional and local roads for this year.”
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