Govt Slammed Over Funding Allocated to Maintain Local And Regional Roads

Fianna Fáil has hit out at the Government after it allocated €324 million to maintain local and regional roads in Ireland.

Spokesperson on Transport Robert Troy TD said the funding is "far below" what is required.

Deputy Troy highlighted that the four year spending average on roads in each county from 2013 to 2016 reveals that the allocation has been 48% below what is needed to keep roads in a good condition.

He said: "We need to put the small increase secured into context. This year's funding allocation is still an estimated 44% below the 'steady state' level required to repair regional and local roads and keep them in a good condition. This is before we even take into consideration the damage caused by years of under-investment.


"The Department of Transport itself has outlined that approximately €580m is required annually to keep our roads in good condition, meaning the Minister is under-spending by an estimated €256m. This will result in many roads remaining in a poor condition.

"It's also deeply disappointing that Minister Ross has failed to restore the Local Improvement Scheme, which was traditionally an important source of funding for isolated and neglected roads and lanes that have not been taken in charge by local authorities. This is despite a clear commitment in the Programme for Government to restore this scheme. The Government is talking a lot about rejuvenating rural Ireland, but when push comes to shove they continually back away from providing the necessary funding to achieve this."

(CD/MH)