Mr. Pat Maher:

In response to Deputy Murphy's question, I give the example of our network pavements. These are the most important asset that we have within the national roads network. We measure the performance and undertake a condition survey of the network each year in order that we know exactly what the trends are in terms of condition. We also know how different pavement types perform. We are in a position to take the existing condition and previous condition and predict the future condition based on different funding scenarios. Looking forward to a horizon of approximately 20 years, we can tell that at the current levels of funding, we may not be in a situation that we are going to go off a cliff. However, in the longer term and particularly post-2020, if current levels of funding continue, we are going to inevitably encounter significant reductions in the condition of our pavements. The consequences of that on a 20-year horizon would be very significant in terms of the extra expenditure that would be required to bring the condition of the pavements back up to the standard they are at now. That is something that we have modelled.

It aligns with the strategic framework for investment in land transport, SFILT, which indicated the need for a level of investment in pavement renewals of approximately €140 million. We are running at approximately one third of that at present. We can see that about six, seven or eight years out, the conditions start to diminish significantly. We absolutely prioritise the funding that we have to where it is most needed. That ensures that we do the best that we can. However, it will inevitably get a point at which the condition of the network will diminish significancy unless there is an increase in funding. In 20 years' time, were we to look to bring the condition of the network back up to current condition, we would be paying up to twice what it would cost if we maintain a consistent level of funding.