Road Transportation and Safety is set to receive an increase in funding of almost €3.5 million in Laois County Council’s Budget for 2024.
In total, over €29.5 million will be spent on the county’s roads next year.
The majority of this has been earmarked for the maintenance and improvement of local roads, accounting for €12 million, up from €11.5 million in 2023.
The bulk of the increased funding, however, will be spent on the county’s National Secondary Roads, which will receive over €4.6 million – an increase of €2.5 million from last year.
Other areas which will see slight increases include Regional Road maintenance and improvement, public lighting, and carparks.
It was also strongly suggested that Independent Cllr, Ollie Clooney would finally get his wish of a new carpark in Durrow.
Head of Finance, Mr Gerry Murphy said the matter was not part of the Budget 2024 parameters, but it would be re-examined at the Borris-in-Ossory-Mountmellick Municipal District meeting in December.
Meanwhile, Fine Gael Cllr Barry Walsh welcomed the Budget, but urged the Council to invest in footpaths, saying the lack of satisfactory footpaths “is going to come to a head soon.”
SEE ALSO – Budget 2024: Over €30 million to be spent on housing in Laois next year
