Dundalk councillor hits out at roadworks timing as schools return

The timing of road resurfacing works around the town was brought up by Fianna Fail councillor Sean Kelly at Tuesday’s meeting of Dundalk Municipal District.

Councillor Kelly said there was a persistent issue every year with the timing of the works. 

As an example, he said that the works at Stapleton Place had taken place during the day on the week that secondary schools returned in the town. 

“It seems to be the same every year with people complaining that there is no activity all summer and then the works commence when the schools return and there’s increased traffic in the town centre. 

“I understand we’re in a tight window of opportunity when the funding is released, but can we not build it into the tenures that we’re getting these contractors to sign that they must complete the works on dates before the schools return so they actually won’t tender if they’re unable to do it?

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“People are outraged by it every year, and it’s just bad PR for the council,” he said.

Executive Engineer with the council Patrick Callan said that he agreed it was something that had to be addressed. 

“I agree with you; we definitely have to address the timelines for those works as best as we possibly can,” he said.

“We will try as much as possible to alleviate traffic around the schools.”

 He said they would look at the next year's program of works with a view to solving the issue.