Safety fears grow over storm-damaged roads in Wexford and Wicklow

Concerns are mounting over the condition of roads across the southeast, with calls for urgent funding to address damage caused by Storm Chandra earlier this year.

North Wexford Fine Gael TD Brian Brennan has warned that five months on from the January storm, many routes in Wexford and Wicklow remain in a dangerous state.

He says potholes, blocked sections and deteriorating surfaces are now posing what he described as a serious health and safety risk for motorists and local communities.

The criticism comes amid ongoing delays in the allocation of additional funding, with Brennan claiming that both Wexford County Council and Wicklow County Council have yet to receive the financial support needed to carry out full repairs.

It’s understood that Wexford County Council is seeking in excess of €20 million, while Wicklow County Council requires a further €15 million to restore storm-damaged roads.

Deputy Brennan said temporary fixes are not enough, stressing the need for full resurfacing and proper drainage works rather than short-term repairs.

He also expressed frustration at what he described as a lack of coordination between government departments, suggesting the issue is being passed between the Department of Finance and transport authorities without resolution.

According to the deputy, local engineers and officials are increasingly concerned, particularly as some roads remain hazardous, with reports of barriers being removed by residents needing access to their homes and land.

He is now calling on Government to classify the situation as an emergency and release funding without further delay, warning that failure to act could lead to serious accidents or injury on affected routes.