Fine Gael TD and Minister Martin Heydon has welcomed vital funding of €26.5m for Kildare roads including €8m towards the ongoing works on Athys’ Southern Distributor Route confirmed by Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan this morning.
“This funding is confirmed as part of the 2023 national allocation towards local and regional roads and includes large funding for a number of strategic projects including Athy’s long awaited ring road. Great progress is being made on the road since the sod was turned last year and confirmation of this funding for 2023 will ensure work can continue and progress as planned.
“The funding for the Athy Ring Road includes funding for active travel which will see paths and cycle ways constructed to give pedestrians and cyclists access from Athy to the Barrow Blueway.
“The balance of funding of €26.5m includes €500k for climate change adaption and resilience works to address the impact of extreme weather conditions on vulnerable roads, €469k for bridge rehabilitation works around the County including Moone Village, Ballymore, Rathangan and Athy.
“In addition €300k is set aside for safety improvement works on local projects from Fontstown, Feighcullen to Ballykelly. The main objective of this 2023 allocation remains safeguarding and careful maintenance of the current regional and local road infrastructure, as it is a critical aspect that cannot be compromised. Prioritizing swift maintenance and repair of our roads will ensure they do not deteriorate which would cause more costly disrepair.
“This announcement is very positive funding for Kildare’s local and regional roads around the County and will ensure continued progress on Athy’s Southern Distributor Route in particular which will bring great benefits to the residents and town of Athy”, concluded Minister Heydon.