Frustration is growing in Buttevant at the lack of activity from the state agencies in tackling the critical state of the street surface and footpaths in the town. Buttevant Community Council has been campaigning for over a year to have the street surface realigned and the footpaths restored.
There was optimism last year when, following persistent lobbying at the very highest level, the National Roads Authority provided Cork County Council with €50,000 to draw up plans for the restoration of the streets and footpaths. However, after the plan had been drawn up and costed, news came that the NRA would not be providing funding for the work, which is estimated to cost around €4 million.
Frustrated but undaunted, the local Community Council are now exploring ways of further highlighting the problems in the town. Fears are constantly being expressed about the danger of an accident and serious injury because of the appalling state of the street through the town.
There is now evidence that despite Buttevant being located on a National Primary route, road users are taking every opportunity to avoid having to go through Buttevant, resulting in losses to the town’s business community.