Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge this is an issue Deputy Smith has consistently raised, and I recall our meeting with local authority members for the Cavan-Monaghan area last year. It is also the case that, given the current cost of resurfacing works and with bitumen, an oil-based product, being particularly expensive, the work we did in reforming the public works contract, including in respect of energy, will be important to make sure we have a comprehensive road resurfacing and maintenance programme over the course of the summer. I recognise the importance of the non-national road network. The Deputy has made the case for improved funding for local improvement scheme, LIS, projects in the past, as well as other local and regional schemes. I will engage with the Minister, Deputy Ryan, in regard to funding.

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