Leas Cathaoirleach of the Shannon Municipal District Councillor David Griffin has called for additional resources in future Council budgets and work programmes to deliver an increase in investment for the Shannon Municipal District, with the support of all fellow local Shannon MD Councillors.
Cllr Griffin has warned that the area continues to struggle to deliver on essential local demands and argues that many residents feel they are being let down by an underinvestment in roads, footpaths, drainage, amenity maintenance and upkeep of public spaces.
He said the situation is clearly visible on the ground and is undermining confidence in the Council’s ability to deliver for the district.
“The reality is simple; people can see the difference every day,” he said. “If roads are deteriorating, footpaths are left in poor condition and public spaces are not being maintained properly, then the funding model is not working.”
Cllr Griffin said the Shannon Municipal District needs a more balanced share of resources that reflects its population, traffic levels and the scale of the infrastructure it must maintain.
He highlighted the need for stronger investment in roads, drainage, footpaths, and general maintenance, and warned that the current approach is not meeting the expectations of many residents.
“The Shannon District is a growing and active district servicing some of the fastest growing towns in the County. Our district must service the second largest town in the county, Shannon, the third largest town, Sixmilebridge, the fifth largest village of Newmarket-on-Fergus, one of the largest housing estates in Munster, Westbury, major suburban areas on the periphery of Limerick City, and extensive rural and recreational areas. But I feel many areas are not getting the level of support they need to truly meet the expectation of communities” he said.
Cllr Griffin called for a more equitable and realistic allocation of funding for the Shannon Municipal District in the forthcoming budget and programme of works discussions.