Shane McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)

Is the Minister satisfied that our roads are in good condition? He is aware that what happened last night on the road to Trim in County Meath was the greatest embarrassment that could be experienced by any official. No Minister could be satisfied with the way our money is being spent on roads, which are a disgrace the length and breadth of the country. That is why we have to pick blackspots through our new road safety officer. How can the Minister say he is satisfied? We will experience failure by the end of the year. Eight people have been killed already this year, which is three more than the number last January. When I was first elected three years ago, I asked that an independent audit be carried out on all our roads but only 3% are audited by the NRA. Does the Minister agree it is time to transfer responsibility for roads from county managers to an independent person in each county so that young people can be safer?

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