Independent councillor Joe Kelly council inaction concerns took centre stage at a recent plenary meeting of Waterford City and County Council, as he strongly criticised what he described as repeated delays and a lack of urgency from the council executive.

Cllr Kelly voiced particular frustration over outstanding road markings and footpath works at Woodgreen in Hillview, which he said remain unfinished four years after resurfacing works took place.

He told the meeting that requests raised at the beginning of the year still have not resulted in visible progress, despite site visits by council officials.

The councillor also highlighted broken public lighting near the Greenway at Rice Bridge, where several lights have remained out of order for more than two years.

He dismissed previous explanations around safety concerns and argued that practical solutions exist, saying the ongoing delay reflects a wider unwillingness to act.

Cllr Kelly extended his criticism to the long-vacant New Street Car Park, which he said continues to worsen parking pressures in the city.

He argued that reopening the facility would provide hundreds of spaces and accused the executive of hiding behind long-term development plans that have yet to materialise.

Responding to the criticism, senior council officials acknowledged the challenges involved, citing flooding risks, outdated infrastructure and design issues at the car park site.

They said plans for redevelopment remain active, though progress has taken longer than anticipated.

Despite the explanations, Cllr Kelly said patience among councillors and the public has worn thin, warning that continued delays undermine confidence in the council’s ability to deliver basic services.

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