A “discrepancy” exists with the amount of money allocated for footpath improvements in Kilrush and works completed, a local representative has claimed.
€412,303.19 has been allocated for footpath works in the Kilrush local electoral area from January 2015 to October 2020. Of this figure, €180k is for discretionary maintenance in Kilrush, €97k was spent on public liability works in 2018, a total of €91k was utilised as part of the General Municipal Allocation (GMA) a portion of which was spent on footpaths, €28k was the cost for in 2016 overlay works on the N68 with the remaining €14k for the back road car park in Kilrush.
Additional footpath works were not included in the breakdown provided by senior executive engineer, Alan Kennelly at the November meeting of the West Clare Municipal District. Obtaining records specifically on the subject of footpath works “is difficult,” he outlined.
Under the active travel measures from the Government, a new footpath and cycleway is under construction at Vandeleur Gardens with the existing infrastructure to be updated. The total cost of the project is in the region of €120,000, Kenneally confirmed. A further 100m of footpath on Lower Moore St is to be relaid at a fee of €20,000 in this year’s roadworks programme.
Kilrush representative, Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) had asked for the breakdown but was regretful that he did not seek further specifics from West Clare MD staff. “Kilrush Town has consistently been allocated the most amount for footpahs, if you match up the funds allocated and works done there is a discrepancy there”. He felt an additional amount of “significant work” was yet to be completed. His proposal was seconded by Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG).
