There are calls for more balanced development in the Dungarvan area.
The issue was raised at the July Dungarvan/Lismore District meeting during a discussion on the most recent Census findings which show Ballinroad has the youngest population in County Waterford.
Independent Councillor Seamus O'Donnell says more services are needed in the Ballinroad area - as well as neighbouring communities. He expressed concern that Abbeyside could potentially be left behind in the wake of Abbeyside.
"There's nothing at all below in Ballinroad", claimed the councillor. "There's not even a pub there. There's not even a shop there. What are we trying to do? Like, we're councillors. It's up to us to decide - Abbeyside is next to us, just over the bridge there. They'll have to get some bit of promotion as well. Why should Ballinroad just bypass Abbeyside and try and take over the whole show?".
