Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The allocation is not sufficient, as it takes much more resources to repair roads on the offshore islands. It is vital we provide supports for access and egress for the islands. The road network is vital for our island communities in terms of transport, employment and fisheries. The local authorities may allocate funding to the islands but it might only cover the cost of road maintenance for 1 km of road compared to 2 km elsewhere because of the significant impact of erosion on the islands. We want to ensure the sustainability of our islands to enable people to live on them. The former councillor, Seamus Rodgers made a detailed submission to the Minister. I ask him to review it to ensure some progress and to work in collaboration with the NTA, which might not be aware of our islands, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and the local authorities. The Minister's Department is critical and pivotal in ensuring and highlighting the importance of our island communities and the protection and enhancement of facilities, including the road infrastructure.

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