Existing road infrastructure in Fingal in need of better investment

   - Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund ignores investment in existing roads -

Fianna Fáil TD, Darragh O’Brien has said that while the commitment to complete four projects in Fingal as part of the Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund is welcome, more attention must be given to the existing road network.
Earlier today, the Department of Housing announced details of allocations for four key projects in the Dublin Fingal area as part of the Local Infrastructure Activation Fund.


Commenting on the fund Deputy O’Brien said, “It is expected that over 1,000 homes will be constructed in our area by 2021. The allocations to Fingal County Council are long overdue and I am particularly pleased about the construction of the Donabate Distributor Road which will see increased road network capacity in the area.


“The new Distributor road in Donabate, which was granted planning permission back in July 2011 must urgently begin development.
“While these projects and the allocation of almost €30m must be welcomed, my concern remains that the existing road infrastructure is substandard and does not provide for the growing population in the North County.


“The government claims to acknowledge the level of investment required to significantly make improvements to the existing road network and make it fit for purpose; yet they continually fail to allocate adequate funding to our local authority to carry out maintenance or upgrade works. In fact, Dublin is the only county which relies solely on local property tax and motor tax payers to fund the existing road network with virtually no assistance from government via the regional local road grant.


“Furthermore, as Dublin Fingal continues to expand and increase in population size, addressing the pressure on our road network is just one element of the strategy needed. The severe lack of school places, public transport services and amenities must also be addressed.


“Now is the time to plan for the future of our community,” concluded O’Brien.


Speaking on the €15m ring fenced to complete the Donabate Distributor Road, Cllr Adrian Henchy said, “This project has been long promised and when completed, will make a huge difference to the everyday lives of residents in the area.”


Cllr Eoghan O’Brien commented, “Road upgrades and a distributor road in Belmayne and Clongriffin are both essential projects which will help to alleviate traffic congestion for local road users. Improvements at Baldoyle Staploin have also been necessary for some time now.”


Upgrades to roads in Oldtown Mooretown, “Are a key part of an overall plan which marks the beginning of major improvements in our area. Today’s announcement of just short of €5m will greatly contribute to the shaping our county’s future development and it is our responsibility to ensure that these will begin works ASAP,” concluded Cllr Darragh Butler.