‘Laois has been left behind again’ says local TD

A local TD has said “Laois has been left behind again” regarding National Roads funding, as the County has been allocated just 1% of total funding in Ireland.

Sinn Fein TD Brian Stanley made the comment following a discussion with Minister for Transport, Eamonn Ryan.

The Government allocated a total of €361 million to 31 Councils across the State.

Of that figure, Laois received just €4.2 million, (which includes €50,000 for ‘greenways’) which amounts to just 1% of the overall funding for the county.

“The level of funding allocated to Laois for the maintenance and upgrade of National routes in the County is totally inadequate,” Deputy Stanley said.

“The low level of funding allocated to Laois County Council comes despite the fact that we have some of the longest stretches of national routes traversing the county.

“The N80 Carlow to Killeigh, N77 Portlaoise to Cullahill and the N78 Athy to Castlecomer along the Motorway, all have to be maintained.”

Deputy Stanley in particular highlighted the lack of provisions for the “badly needed” Relief Road in  Mountmellick.

“An extensive feasibility and route selection study has been carried out by Laois County Council, but without funding from national level, this project cannot proceed,” Deputy Stanley said.

“It must be included in the National Development Plan and this should be a national priority.

“Mountmellick town is chocked up with traffic and in particular lorries as it is the route for most traffic from the West of Ireland to Rosslare Euro Port in Wexford.

“HGVs are encountering difficulties navigating the junctions in town and local residents have real concerns about road safety.’’

Deputy Stanley concluded by saying: “Overall Laois is not getting the level of national roads funding required to ensure that the extensive amount of national primary and secondary routes are maintained and upgraded.

“The Government and the Minister for Transport have a responsibility to rectify this.”

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