€1.5m funding for rising Council roadworks costs "won't cut the mustard"

Additional funding to tackle the rising costs of tar for Louth County Council "won't cut the mustard" according to Dundalk TD Ruairí Ó Murchú. 

Councillors were told at the March meeting of the local authority that there will be a "significant increase in the cost of tar" which could be in the region of 20-25%. 

The increase could affect the council's ability to address issues such as potholes across the county. 

Director of Services with Louth County Council, David Hanratty said although the local authority will do its "best to lobby for more funding" the increase will likely lead to a reduced roadworks programme for 2025. 

Sinn Féin TD Ruairí Ó Murchú, who was addressing the Dáil said the rising costs would lead to "huge issues for the roadworks programme" and also pointed to expected rises in the costs for retrofitting and home upgrades.

 “Louth County Council has applied for extra funding to address the impact of recent flooding. It is looking for somewhere around €1.5 million, although that figure probably will not cut the mustard at this point in time," he said. 

The Sinn Féin TD told Taoiseach Micheál Martin that supports will be needed and said he "would like to think there is good engagement with local authorities."

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In response, The Taoiseach told the Dáíl that the implications of the war are widespread, and said there is a "danger that there will be secondary effects on the wider economy." 

However, he said the the Government "cannot chase inflation". 

"We cannot compensate for every price increase everywhere. That will not work. We have to try to target our resources as best we can at those most in need.

There are concerns about the inflationary impacts of this crisis, which may feed into the wider economy. It could affect all areas and sectors of the economy," he said. 

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.