Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise similar issues. I welcome the association's initiative, which will lead to a standardisation across the country.

In terms of heavy loads, what effect do quarries have on our roads and is there any initiative to ameliorate some of the damage?

I welcome the prioritisation. The score sheet seems to be an evidence-based approach to each road's treatment and requirements. That there would eventually be a database of every road in the country and the condition of same is welcome. It has been mentioned that traffic volume is critical. Perhaps our guests can allay my concerns in this regard. When we discuss roads with people, we get the most grief from those living on tertiary roads. In this context, local improvement schemes and community involvement in roadworks, CIR, schemes seem to be the way to go. What is the status of such schemes? Are the councils making provision for them or have we moved to a minimum safe distance approach that is, that the roads are just about able to exist?

The economic situation presents difficulties. Mention was made of budgetary flexibility. Can more flexibility be achieved? What autonomy will the councils have to dedicate local property tax, LPT, moneys to the roads?

What effect do oil prices have on the cost of the road materials that the councils use? Even a slight increase seems to have a considerable effect. Are the councils satisfied that the Department understands that there may be a problem if we do not maintain our roads to a certain standard?