€30,000 Killybegs road setback threatens other projects - Donegal Daily

Government inaction has been blamed for a €30,000 roadworks delay in Killybegs that could have costly consequences for other communities.Independent Cllr Jimmy...

Government inaction has been blamed for a €30,000 roadworks delay in Killybegs that could have costly consequences for other communities.

Independent Cllr Jimmy Brogan has warned that a funding deadline for long-awaited resurfacing works at Stoney Batter lane will be missed due to restrictions linked to the ongoing public sector work-to-rule.

The councillor secured funding earlier this year through the Community Involvement Scheme (CIS), following complaints from residents of the Old Fintra Road, Harbour View Drive, St Cummins Hill and surrounding estates.

The lane has been patched repeatedly over the years but remains dangerously uneven, particularly for people with disabilities or limited mobility.

"The plan was to take off the existing surface, carry out drainage work underneath, resurface the lane again and put up a handrail," Cllr Brogan explained.

However, the council has been unable to engage external contractors for the drainage works because of the ongoing industrial action.

"The money is going to be lost because the work has to be completed by the middle of November, or the Department will take the money back," he said.

Cllr Brogan said he understood that a request for an extension had been unsuccessful.

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While hopeful that Stoney Batter will be resurfaced next year, he warned that the €30,000 required would have to come from a new CIS allocation, potentially depriving another community of funding.

"That's €30,000 we won't be able to spend this year, that's €30,000 that will come out of CIS next year that won't be available for another project next year," he saids.

"I'm hopeful the work will be done next year. We still have to agree everything, but I'm sure we'll get agreement on it."

"I don't blame the council or the public sector unions. It's the Government that has caused this problem."

He added: "I’m extremely frustrated that the work will not be done on time, as I was assured it would be, but the Government’s refusal to engage with the public sector unions over the past number of months, has resulted in situations like this.

"While there have been strikes and other visible effects of the industrial action, these are some of the more hidden issues which have arisen due to government in-action and lack of engagement with the public sector unions.

"I will work with the council to make sure this lane is done as soon as possible."