‘Unacceptable’ road condition prompts call for action in Navan estate before distributor road works begin
A Meath TD has called for Limekiln Wood Estate in Navan, which has been described as being in an “unacceptable state of disrepair” with severe potholes, to be taken in charge before work begins on a proposed new distributor road in the area.
Sinn Féin TD for Meath West Johnny Guirke urged Meath County Council to prioritise taking the estate in charge before works commence on the planned Local Distributor Road (LDR1a), which would link the Trim and Dublin Roads near Springfield Glen.
The proposed road is intended to improve traffic flow in Navan by diverting vehicles away from the town centre.
Mr Guirke said he has been engaging with both the council and the Minister for Housing regarding the project, which is included in an application for funding under the Government’s Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund (HIIF).
The €1bn fund, administered by the Housing Activation Office in the Department of Housing, is designed to support infrastructure projects that unlock housing delivery.
In response to a parliamentary question, Housing Minister James Browne confirmed that Meath County Council submitted an application for the Navan Local Distributor Road (LDR1a) under the first call of the HIIF, which closed in February.
"The Housing Activation Office team is actively reviewing all applications received against the scheme criteria and recommendations will be brought forward shortly in accordance with the governance arrangements for the fund. As this process is ongoing I am not in position to comment on any specific application,” the response stated.
Meanwhile Mr Guirke said the project is welcome and would help ease congestion in Navan if approved, but stressed that existing residents “must not be overlooked”.
“The proposed road will run parallel to Limekiln Wood, and while a future access point is planned, residents will not benefit from this until construction is complete,” he said.
“In the meantime, the current access road into Limekiln Wood is in an unacceptable state of disrepair, with severe potholes, some comparable to craters. This is causing ongoing damage to vehicles and posing safety risks.”
“An application has already been submitted to Meath County Council for the estate to be taken in charge. We are now urging Meath County Council to approve this without delay and to carry out the necessary resurfacing and repairs before any construction of the new distributor road begins.
“It is crucial that local infrastructure is delivered in a way that supports both future development and the immediate needs of residents,” the TD added.
Meath County Council has been contacted for comment.