Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said that the public must be consulted at all stages and on all projects as part of the roll-out of the sustainable transport projects that have been announced by the National Transport Authority. McGuinness raised a number of questions regarding recent transport announcements during the February meeting of Waterford Council.
McGuinness said:
“Today’s announcement by the NTA is to be welcomed. Some of the funding had already been announced, but when taken together it does constitute a significant inward investment.
“Involving the public from the start, and truly listening to their ideas and concerns will be key in ensuring this money is well spent.
“The smarter travel initiative in Dungarvan several years ago has left a number of legacy issues, and led to significant public criticism. Its important that we learn the lessons and that public consultation is hard-wired into all the projects that will be funded under this new sustainable transport scheme.
“I would have liked to see greater investment in West Waterford, and while the bulk of funding is centred on the City and the East of the County, this type of investment will have a knock-on impact.
“I welcome the confirmation from Director of Services Fergus Galvin at today’s meeting that the new cycle design offices will result in 10 – 12 new jobs in the Council. Its unclear if staffing levels will ever return to what it was before the economic crash and the austerity years, but every increase is to be welcomed.”
Cllr. Conor D. McGuinness 