Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)

This is part of how we propose to continue, sharing ideas on the understanding that we do not have all the answers ourselves. We are happy to co-operate with everybody to try to bring about a solution that best fits the needs of this society. Reducing road accidents is very much a part of that approach by two Departments working together, although with separate responsibilities. Some 96% of our roads are secondary routes. According to the statistics, 2.5% of all accidents result from the structure, state or quality of the road concerned. We should examine that matter in the context of this debate. There has been a significant increase in such road accidents. In 1996, the figure was 1.5%, but it jumped to 2.5% in 2007. We need to address that important 1% increase, which is worrying and requires urgent attention. I hope the necessary funding will come from the Department to be better used by local authorities to target specific accident sites on the road network.

There has been a strong focus on spending for national primary roads, which is welcome, but the bulk of that expenditure has gone into the 4% of the network that comprises inter-urban routes. While such expenditure is essential, it is unfortunate that more of that funding was not spent in previous years. In addition to the positive impact it has had on our capacity to continue with balanced regional development and the roll-out of economic infrastructure across the west, it has been helpful in continuing to attract foreign direct investment.

As the Acting Chairman, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, will be aware, in our own region significant foreign direct investment has been provided in recent weeks by the Zimmer company. That is a strong indication that our infrastructural development, including the improved road network, is beneficial in attracting such blue-chip companies that continue providing local employment throughout the mid-west and the west generally. Investment in national routes has helped us to compete internationally in attracting that level of foreign direct investment. We must support rural communities by funding the development of non-national roads so the increases provided for in the Bill will be extremely helpful.

It would be wrong not to acknowledge that while a lot of money has gone into national primary and inter-urban roads, there has been a lack of funding for national secondary roads. While this may be somewhat parochial, in County Clare the N85, N67 and N68, which form part of the national secondary route network, are in need of urgent funding. Revenue has been committed for the next two years for inter-urban routes, but I urge the Minister to consider changing that funding structure when the inter-urban routes have been completed. It could then be put into some of the national secondary routes.

The Ennis to Kilrush road in particular needs a complete upgrade as do the roads running along the western seaboard of County Clare, and the Ennis to north Clare route. Those three significant stretches of national secondary routes require urgent attention and the requisite funding. We should examine that matter in the context of completing the national primary inter-urban routes. We should try to put the same level of currently committed funding into these routes as we move towards 2010 and 2011.

It may be a job for the National Roads Authority on direction from the Department, but the authority should examine road quality. I often wonder if it is necessary to build some regional roads to the standard to which they are currently constructed. To some extent, we have seen a change in some of the fundamentals of road building that has allowed us to deliver quality roads more cheaply without acquiring the same amount of land or building the same level of foundation. We should examine that matter in the context of regional and local roads.

The CO2 emission-based motor tax system is welcome and reflects the shared approach by our party and the Minister's party to protecting the environment. We are delighted that it changes attitudes and puts in place a fundamental shift in our thinking. In addition, it moves away from the notion of using gas-guzzling cars for vanity alone. Such gas-guzzling vehicles must be consigned to the ranks of the vintage car class. The Bill's provisions in this regard demonstrate enlightened thinking on transport for a purpose rather than for show. We must instil such thinking in the minds of people who continue to drive cars that are effectively damaging the environment. While these types of provisions may appear to target the consumer, the reality is that they will target the manufacturers and will test the minds of the engineers who developed the four-stroke engine over many years. I have no doubt that within two to three years, we will have more powerful cars that conform to the emissions levels required under this legislation.

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