I am delighted that we have finally secured funding for works on Donnybrook Hill which is to include a crossing near Hillcourt.

This is a project on which I have been working with local residents for some time. Finally much needed funding of €100,000 has been committed to this important project that will improve the safety of all road users, particularly pedestrians.

I have been putting pressure on the Minister for Transport about this, impressing upon him the need to have a crossing facility. Eventually the NTA discussed the scope to make further progress on the project this year with Cork County Council and it has been agreed between them that NTA will provide €100,000 of the required funding with the balance to be provided by the Council.

This funding forms part of the ‘Regional Cities Programme’, which is provided by the Minister for Transport to the NTA. The €100,000 being made available for Donnybrook Hill is in addition to the initial allocation of €1,000,000 for the Douglas area.

The total allocation under the ‘Regional Cities Programme’ for 2016 is €13.5 million. It is great that Cork has been prioritised, across the City and County €8.5m, 63% of the total funding available, will be used for transport projects and road improvements.

I will continue to work ensure that this project is brought to a completion as soon as possible.

08/03/16