Councillor James Byrne has called for the whole process of implementing the Road Works Programme to be streamlined to ensure the majority or all works are carried out during the quieter summer months.

“This year, due to difficulties encountered by the Council during the tendering process outside of its control, causing weeks of delay, the actual works only commenced at the end of July” Cllr. Byrne said.

“While it is a short 6-8 week works schedule it often rolls into September as schools return causing severe disruption on affected routes.

“For example, the badly needed resurfacing at the Bullring is to be carried out in the third week of September but will result in the closure of St Mary’s bridge and the Marsh Road. While this will bring a welcome and necessary improvement to the road there is a sense of dread about the timing.

“Councillors approved the 2024 Programme in early March after the Council received notification of its allocation in mid-February from Government.

“It must then go through a tendering process with public notifications of road closures required. In a best case scenario you are looking at early July before actual work commences.

“With the original contractor pulling out of the process this year it set the Road Works Programme back a few weeks.

“I have asked Louth County Council to consider reviewing the process to ensure works can commence some weeks earlier to avoid the inevitable chaos in September.

“I intend tabling a Notice of Motion at September’s monthly meeting of Louth County Council for a formal response to see if we can bring the Programme to completion in a more efficient manner from next year.”