Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

With respect, the problem is they do not have the resources to do the work. Our roads have become virtually undriveable. They are not fit for purpose. They are hazardous. They are dangerous. In fact, they are obstacle courses. The situation is impacting on school buses, dairy collection services, An Post deliveries, bin collection and ambulance services. I am aware of a case last week where a sick elderly person had to be brought out by tractor through a lane to meet the ambulance at the top of the road. That is how bad our roads are. All elected representatives are getting savaged at meetings in rural areas. We have to turn up and explain the unexplainable. It is just impossible. We have a general election on the horizon and this issue must be addressed. If Fine Gael and the Government are serious about re-election they must address the lack of funding for rural roads because after the first week of the campaign half of the canvassers will be in bed because they will not want to face the hostility of the people living down rural roads and lanes.

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