Residents in Ferrybank are dealing with damaged roads, repair bills and delayed improvement works. At the same time, road maintenance funding has fallen in both Kilkenny and Waterford.

Local Aontú representative Gary O’Neill has criticised the situation. He says residents are paying the price for funding cuts and administrative delays.

Figures released to Aontú show Kilkenny County Council’s roads maintenance budget has dropped by €37,470. The allocation fell from €636,503 to €599,033 in 2025.

Waterford City and County Council has also seen a reduction. Its funding decreased by €28,887, falling from €351,367 to €322,480.

Meanwhile, planned works on Abbey Road and Belmont Road remain stalled. The delay centres on a Section 85 agreement between the two councils.

A Section 85 agreement allows one council to carry out works on behalf of another. Both councils must sign the document before work can begin, especially when a project crosses county boundaries. In this case, Kilkenny cannot proceed without Waterford’s signature.

O’Neill says the delay has continued for months and describes it as unacceptable.

Abbey Road continues to flood at the bottom of the hill near Clover Meats. Potholes along the route have also damaged tyres and wheels. Some residents have pursued compensation claims.

O’Neill says councils must prioritise maintenance funding and cooperate more effectively. He has called on both authorities to sign the agreement and begin works without further delay.

Neither council has yet confirmed when the agreement will be signed or when works will start.

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