A Waterford councillor says additional funding from central government will be needed if local authorities are to tackle deteriorating private roads across the county.

Councillor David Daniels says while there is growing frustration among residents living on private roads, Waterford City and County Council is already under significant pressure to fund existing infrastructure projects and upgrade estates that have already been taken in charge by the local authority.

The councillor said one of the biggest financial pressures facing the council in recent years has been the cost of replacing ageing concentric electrical cabling in estates throughout the county.

According to Daniels, estimates put the cost of those upgrades at between €10 million and €20 million, placing further strain on available capital funding.

He believes the solution lies in greater investment from government.

“We need more money from central government to give the council the resources to take pressure off existing funding streams and bring these roads up to an acceptable standard,” he said.

The issue of private roads has become an increasing concern for residents in a number of areas, with many reporting worsening conditions and damage to vehicles caused by poor road surfaces.

Daniels said he has already raised the issue with the council’s Director of Services and sought consideration for private roads to be taken in charge by the local authority. However, he was informed that the council is currently unable to commit funding to such a programme.

The councillor said there may be an opportunity to revisit the issue during upcoming discussions on Waterford City and County Council’s capital budget.

“We have capital budget discussions coming up and I will definitely be bringing it up again to see if there is a way of bringing private roads into the programme,” he said.

Daniels said the problem extends beyond one area and is affecting communities throughout Waterford.

“Residents are trying to get these roads up to a standard and in many cases are bringing bins to collection points and driving over roads that continue to deteriorate,” he said.

While acknowledging the council’s position, Daniels said finding a long-term solution for residents living on private roads will remain a priority as budget discussions continue in the months ahead.

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