MAJOR FUNDING ANNOUNCEMENT: €6.8 million for roads in Westmeath

AN allocation of €6.8 million has been made for regional and local roads in Westmeath for this year, the details of which were announced today.

More than €3.8 million of the funding will go towards restoration improvement. The other funding is divided between restoration maintenance, a discretionary grant, bridge rehabilitation, safety improvement works, speed limits and a training grant.
Three projects in Athlone and Moate are included in the safety improvement works – Annagh Cross will receive €30,000 and Valley Court and Clara Road in Moate will receive €20,000 each, while €15,000 will go towards illuminating pedestrian crossings in Athlone town.
The other areas included in the safety improvement works allocation are Knockdrin in Mullingar and Taughmon School.
Eleven areas across the county will, between them, be allocated €200,700 in funding for bridge rehabilitation works. These include Emper Bridge, Clara Bridge in Kilbeggan, Fore Bridge, Coola Bridge North, Taughmon Bridge and Inan Bridge in Riverdale.
Welcoming the news, local Independent Alliance TD Kevin 'Boxer' Moran said he was delighted that the need to invest heavily in the improvement and maintenance of roads had been recognised by his colleague, Transport Minister Shane Ross.
In addition to the allocation for Westmeath, €6.1 million was allocated to Longford which reflects a significant increase on last year's funding.
“In total, almost €13 million has been delivered for Longford/Westmeath which is almost an additional €2 million up on last year,” said Deputy Moran.
The Independent Alliance, he said, views regional and local roads “as being at the core of local economic activity and we recognise the importance of connectivity between towns and villages for community and other transport requirements such as for industry and commerce”.
Local Councillor Ailish McManus (Independent) said she was particularly pleased that €30,000 in funding had been allocated for the junction at Annagh Cross.
“This is a significant amount of funding coming into the town. Annagh Cross junction has been very dangerous,” she said.