Cllr Liam Brazil
Waterford have caused concern amongst local
councillors.
Cllr Liam Brazil (FG) raised the issue at the
May Comeragh District meeting of Waterford
City & County Council.
He noted that €150,000 had been allocated in
the capital budget for footpaths throughout the
next three years and said he was disappointed
that this meant an allocation of just €50,000 per
year.
“Every village is looking for footpaths at the
moment,” he said.
“It enhances a village to have a new footpath.”
Senior Executive Engineer Eamon Lonergan
confirmed that all three districts of Waterford
City & County Council would receive the same
amount of funding.
“It won’t make a huge difference but it will
help,” he said.
Mr Lonergan said he had received many submissions
from councillors for new footpaths
throughout the last 12 months.
He said the main priority was the repair of
existing footpaths rather than the construction
of new footpaths.
Cllr John O’Leary (FF) said €150,000 over
three years was very little and asked if funding
was available from anywhere else.
Cllr Declan Clune (SF) said he was aware of
the budgetary restrictions, but asked if there was
any way at all that funds could be increased.
Senior Engineer Pat McCarthy said the allocation
of €150,000 was from the capital plan
which was approved by the plenary council.
“I would love to be able to say that we can get
additional capital funding, the reality is we can’t.
The budgets have been approved,” he said.
“I agree that the amount of money is small and
the demand is high,” he added.
Cllr Brazil suggested local communities could
work with the council in order to fund footpaths in
their area.
Cathaoirleach of the Comeragh District Cllr M J
Ryan said he was delighted to hear the suggestion.
Mr McCarthy said the council would engage with
any group which was willing to get involved.
“Where there is an active community group it
could help change the priority of any works we
carry out in relation to footpaths,” he said.
“It certainly would make the budget stretch
further,” he added.
