Roads funds queried as Kilbrittain still suffering after winter floods

By Kieran O’Mahony

A ROAD in Kilbrittain road is one of the areas worst affected by last year’s floods, according to a local councillor. 

At a recent meeting of Bandon Kinsale Municipal District, chairperson Cllr James O’Donovan said people weren’t exaggerating about the state of the road.

Senior executive engineer, Charlie McCarthy said that given the level of damage caused to the road, resources were stretched, but that the main road has been done.

‘We have invested in the area and we are addressing the worst of the roads,’ said Mr McCarthy.

Cllr Alan Coleman (Ind) asked if the Council could have gone further with it if funding was there.

However, Mr McCarthy said that the Council had to work on it without having any funding in place, and said it will be in a good condition once it’s finished.

Cllr Kevin Murphy (FG) agreed with Cllr O’Donovan and said some of the roads in Kilbrittain – like Barleyfield – are in an appalling state.

Cllr Tim Lombard (FG) said that Cork County Council should bring in some sub-contractors for the next three or four months to get on top of things.

‘We should raise this at the full Council as we will have workers going on holidays and there will be less staff to carry out the work,’ said Cllr Lombard.

However, Mr McCarthy said that they do not even have a budget for sub-contractors and there is no flexibility in funding.

Cllr Kevin Murphy said he asked Cork County Council chief executive Tim Lucey to increase the workforce.

‘He said he doesn’t have the money to employ maintenance staff. But they’re the most important part of Council staff,’ said Cllr Murphy.

Cllr Gillian Coughlan (FF) said there is significant staff west of the district and asked why can’t they be drafted in to help Council staff in the Bandon Kinsale Municipal District.

‘Why can’t we do a blitz and bring them in?’ asked Cllr Coughlan.