Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

To my recollection, and I may be corrected, the amount of money provided under this heading at the beginning of 2008 was an increase on the figure given in 2007. There was no reduction in funding. The grants we give for roads are meant to supplement local authorities' own resources. If the authorities feel they have not got an adequate amount in the grant they receive from us, they should put money from their own resources towards it. That is the situation as it is supposed to be.

I agree with the Deputy there appears not to be the same amount of gritting on minor roads. That is my experience and I hear the same from colleagues on all sides of the House. Perhaps the reason is that it is a long time since we had such a prolonged cold spell. Judging from the level of complaints we have heard, there has not been the same level of gritting as previously. The responsibility lies with local authorities and it is one they should take very seriously. I know the Deputy made that point publicly and I agree with it.

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