Waterford Metropolitan Mayor Councillor Adam Wyse has raised concerns with the Minister for Transport over the continued use of Section 38 of the Road Traffic Act, warning that it undermines local democracy.

Cllr. Wyse met the Minister last week to discuss how Section 38 allows local authority engineers and Active Travel teams to progress major traffic and transport schemes without a vote of elected councillors.

Call to Restore Democratic Oversight

He said engineers must operate within legal and safety standards, but technical compliance cannot replace democratic decision-making.

Cllr. Wyse said councillors can review plans and offer feedback, but they hold no real power to approve or reject schemes that reshape local communities.

He called for the use of Section 38 on major infrastructure projects to end and for decision-making powers to return to elected councils.

Support for Active Travel Maintained

Cllr. Wyse said his position does not oppose Active Travel.

He said he has long supported safer walking and cycling infrastructure, improved public transport, and reduced car dependency. He said those projects must involve councillors at the final decision stage.

Local Example at Farronshoneen Roundabout

Cllr Wyse. cited the Farronshoneen Roundabout as a local example.

Cllr. Wyse said councillors supported early plans for cycle routes to schools in Ballygunner, but engineers later changed the designs without meaningful input from councillors or the public.

Concerns Over Emergency Access

He also raised concerns about the impact of traffic layouts on emergency services.

Cllr. Wyse said ambulances must move quickly through the city and warned that delays at key junctions could put lives at risk.

A council report found peak-time delays at the Farronshoneen Roundabout increased from three minutes to between 13 and 16 minutes. He said commuters often experience delays of more than 30 minutes.

Call for Accountability

Cllr. Wyse said democracy works only when elected representatives make decisions and stand over them at election time.

He said the current system removes accountability and leaves communities without a clear voice in transport planning.

He said he hopes the Minister will act to return democratic control over major transport projects to local councils.

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