John Halligan (Waterford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

However, given the size of our roads network, I echo the Minister’s point that it will be important to ensure resources are managed as effectively as possible so that the best value with the greatest impact may be achieved. I am sure that the combined efforts of the Department, the road management office and local authorities will greatly contribute to this objective.

Planning for future investment is also a key objective. The national planning framework and the ten-year national development plan, to which the Minister referred, will provide for continued investment in the maintenance of the existing network as well as improvements in the network which will be linked to regional and local development. For example, as I previously mentioned, our roads network is vital to regional and local development. Consequently, the 29%, or €100 million, increase in grant funding for regional and local roads is of particular importance in that regard. The increased funding will create the potential to improve the lives of those living In rural communities, increasing opportunities in those communities.

At the outset I noted that this is a serious and constructive motion which has been considered by the Government. It must be acknowledged, however, that we were in deep recession for six years and that, under the circumstances, every effort is being made to deal with what is a serious situation, that is, the seriousness of the roads network.

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