Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

We have Shinnagh Cross in Rathmore, which is a five-road junction. We have been calling for a roundabout there. There is also the state of our little local roads. We do not get the funding. They are hippity hop. As I said, the hedges are not being cut. If we speak about safety, we have to include the state and condition of our roads and junctions and recognise there has been a massive increase in the volume of traffic.

Perhaps some members of the Government would rather see people not use cars at all but in rural areas there is no other way of travel. Let us think about walking or cycling today. The roads are not safe. Many roads are not safe for cyclists even on a fine day. Let us think of how dangerous they would be with today's weather. We still need cars in rural Ireland. If public transport were to be provided for everyone, the Central Bank would not pay for it. In rural places we cannot provide public transport. It is not obtainable and it is not a realistic option for many people. They need cars but we need to improve the state of our roads. I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach.