Major road improvements in Ferrybank remain on hold due to a lack of agreement between Waterford City and County Council and Kilkenny County Council.
Councillors heard the update at the February meeting of the Piltown Municipal District.
The delay relates to planned upgrades to the Abbey Road and Belmont link.
Kilkenny County Council is leading the project under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund.
Waiting on Waterford Council Sign-Off
Councillors were advised that preliminary design drawings are ready, but that progress cannot move forward without Waterford City and County Council signing a Section 85 agreement.
A Section 85 allows two local authorities to formally cooperate on infrastructure projects that cross county boundaries.
Around a quarter of Abbey Road lies within the Waterford administrative area and the lack of agreement between both local authorities continues to stall the project.
It is reported no progress has taken place for several months.
Concerns Raised Over Road Condition and Footpaths
Fine Gael Councillor Pat Dunphy raised concerns about the condition of Abbey Road and the width of footpaths.
He said residents regularly contact him about safety issues.
Speaking to WLR, Councillor Dunphy said the situation is becoming increasingly frustrating for locals.
He said the road continues to deteriorate while agencies wait on paperwork.
“It’s such a poor road at the moment and it’s getting worse all the time,” he said. “People are asking when it will be fixed, and I don’t have an answer for them.”
Calls for Urgent Action
Councillor Dunphy said he does not know why Waterford City and County Council has not signed off on the agreement.
He said he understands councils face pressure but urged Waterford officials to act.
“I don’t know whether Waterford Council is too busy or simply not treating this as a priority, but we need encourage the council to come to the table and sign the Section 85 as soon as possible.”
He said he fears the delay could drag on for years if the issue remains unresolved.
Wider Context of Council Tensions
The delay comes during strained relations between the two councils.
Waterford City and County Council recently initiated a judicial review to challenge the Ferrybank Shopping Centre redevelopment in Kilkenny.
Ferrybank has a population of around 7,000 people.
Approximately 2,000 residents fall under Waterford City and County Council’s jurisdiction.
Local representatives say improved infrastructure is essential for a growing community.
They say cooperation between councils is critical to delivering long-promised upgrades
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