Over €30m funding boost for Waterford roads as repairs and safety upgrades get green light

More than €30 million has been confirmed for road works across Waterford this year, with funding set to go towards repairs, safety upgrades, bridge rehabilitation and traffic calming projects around the county.

As part of a nationwide €1.5 billion roads package announced by the Department of Transport, Waterford City and County Council has been allocated €30,879,588 for essential maintenance and improvement works on national, regional and local roads.

Of that, €23,253,950 will go towards regional and local roads, while a further €7,625,638 has been ringfenced for the repair and maintenance of Waterford's national road network.

The funding breakdown includes €1.127m for routine maintenance on regional and local roads, €670,000 for bridge rehabilitation works, €497,000 for safety improvement schemes, €587,500 for drainage works and €440,000 for climate adaptation measures.

An additional €435,000 has also been allocated for specific improvement grants across the county, including €330,000 for a traffic calming scheme in Ballymacarbry to reduce speeds along the R671 near Ballymacarbry National School.

A further €55,000 will go towards minor improvement works along the R680 Old Kilmeaden Road, while €50,000 has been provided to progress a roundabout proposal to improve junction safety at Orchardstown.

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Welcoming the announcement, Minister of State for Planning and Local Government John Cummins TD said: "It's fantastic to see funding being allocated for vital road repair projects throughout County Waterford.

"This investment will play an important role in improving connectivity, supporting local businesses and making the journey to school or work safer and more convenient for families in our communities."

He added: "This Government is committed to ensuring continued safety for all road users, and a crucial part of that is protecting and revitalising our existing national, regional and local road network.

"This funding will enable us to repair, reinforce and maintain roads, ensuring they are fit for purpose. These improvements will enhance the overall safety of our road network and deliver long-lasting benefits for all road users in Waterford."

At national level, Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien said the €1.5 billion package will support "road safety improvements, pavement and bridge renewal, and climate-resilience measures", while assisting with the aftermath of Storm Chandra.

"Government is committed to assisting affected local authorities with financial support to assist with the aftermath of Storm Chandra," he said.

"My Department is liaising with affected counties, who are continuing to compile and assess damage on the ground to enable proper estimation of the total damage caused and the estimated cost of remediation."