Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for coming before the committee. Is he satisfied that the amount allocated for the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in 2016 is adequate to ensure at least a steady state of repairs will be maintained on our regional and local road network? The output targets for 2016 are lower than in 2015. Why was this accepted, given the poor state of the regional and local road network? The poor state of roads in County Louth, in particular, local roads, is of great concern to citizens. The local council's policy seems to be that no repairs or maintenance will be carried out on small roads. As agreed in the programme for Government, will the Minister, please, confirm when he intends to open applications for the CIS and the LIS?

I have raised this issue before. I remind the Minister of the need for the Ardee bypass to be placed on a priority list of projects for 2016. The N2 is the main route from Dublin to Derry and Ardee is an extreme bottleneck for travellers. It is essential that it be bypassed, which would be of enormous benefit to businesses in Ardee and also to the residents.

Will the Minister to indicate what funds have been committed to joint projects with Northern Ireland. In the light of Brexit, what is the status of committed funds for these projects?

I ask the Minister to reconsider his decision to remove the derogation in respect of the 42-tonne weight limit for five-axle articulated vehicles. The removal of this derogation is placing Irish hauliers at a distinct disadvantage with their European counterparts.