Dundalk councillor calls road maintenance funding cuts "illogical"

Independent councillor for Dundalk/Carlingford Ciarán Fisher has raised concerns about funding cuts for road maintenance for Louth County Council. 

Cllr Fisher said ongoing cuts are directly affecting road safety and increasing flooding risks. 

He said since 2021, funding for road maintenance in Louth County Council has dropped by €44,879, from €297,819 in 2021 to €252,940 in 2025.

The Independent councillor said road maintenance isn't an "optional expense" and called it core infrastructure investment. 

“It’s core infrastructure investment that safeguards the public and reduces long-term costs. When budgets are slashed, minor issues escalate into expensive crises.” he said.

“In an era where roads face greater strain from rising traffic volumes and harsher weather patterns, these budget reductions are illogical and force communities to contend with subpar road quality and heightened dangers,” he added.

Cllr Fisher said road maintenance is the "most fundamental duties of government". 

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He stressed the importance of providing local authorities with "stable and sufficient funding to conduct regular maintenance in a proactive and systematic manner".

"Our communities merit secure, properly maintained infrastructure, not one that crumbles progressively because of repeated funding shortfalls,” he said. 

The statement comes at a time of heightened concerns among councillors due to funding. It was revealed earlier this month, that funding for the Active Travel Scheme would also be cut, putting major planned roadworks in jeopardy across county Louth.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.