Roads in New Ross underfunded as millions allocated to rural laneways – ‘people in town are treated like second-class citizens’

By Simon Bourke, Wexford People

The merits of an initiative which allocates funds to repair rural roads and laneways has been questioned by a New Ross councillor who believes urban dwellers are being treated like “second class citizens” by this government.

Under the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) the Department of Rural and Community Development provides funding for improvement works on small roads and laneways in rural Ireland which are not maintained by the county council. However, Councillor Michael Sheehan has argued that this funding would be better used in urban estates which house hundreds of people.

“The road surface in New Ross is absolutely appalling, something has to be done,” he said at the October meeting of the New Ross Municipal District (NRMD). “There’s estates with over 120 houses in them which have terrible roads, and when you compare the amount of money being spent on laneways in the district to that being used to maintain these estates it’s not right.”

“Well, there should be a separate scheme for the towns then,” suggested Cllr Pat Barden.

"There’s lorries, tractors, machinery on the country roads every day of the week, that’s what breaks up the road in the rural areas,” added Cllr John Fleming..

Cllr Bridín Murphy also flew the flag for the district’s rural hinterlands, inviting Cllr Sheehan to “drive out there sometime” and see how the bad the roads are.

“Given the amount of calls I get from rural areas where their councillor has gone missing I probably should,” replied Cllr Sheehan.

Calling for calm, cathaoirleach Cllr John Dwyer said that ultimately this was a funding issue.

“It stands to reason that the roads in urban areas will deteriorate quicker, there’s more people living in the town,” he said. “But I also realise there’s lanes in the countryside which haven’t been touched for 25-30 years, this issue is down to national funding.”

“You’re treated as a second class citizen in the town, can a laneway in the town apply for the LIS?” asked the ever mischievous Cllr Sheehan.

“You’re showing your intelligence there now, Michael,” remarked a clearly disappointed Cllr Fleming.