Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

That is some decision. While I know other Departments also have a role in rural affairs, we must ensure the Department is given the armature it needs to make a sincere attempt to do its jobs right.

I note the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Shane Ross, is present. Councils are skint and do not have money for secondary roads. I ask the Minister to increase funding for this purpose. Galway and Roscommon county councils do not have money for roads. People have to use roads to get to work. We cannot have potholes and overhanging hedgerows everywhere. Whether one lives in Broadhaven, Dublin, Donegal or Kerry, one is making a contribution. We must provide more money for roads. Everyone knows that roadworks are now being done more efficiently. The blacktop road surfaces currently being used last for longer. We should front-load road projects to ensure we have good quality roads as this would help generate business.

I ask the Minister to ensure road infrastructure is provided in the west, even as far as Westport in order that the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Deputy Ring, is sorted out. The Westport road, the Galway outer bypass and the N4, N5, N59 and Mallow to Cork road projects need to proceed. This is not a matter of local politics. The Gort to Tuam road is magnificent but Knock Airport is vulnerable for the simple reason that people can drive from Galway to Limerick in one hour. The journey to Knock takes longer because the road is poor. We must ensure road projects in Sligo, Knock and other areas proceed.

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