Johnny Guirke (Meath West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I want to address the state of the regional and local roads infrastructure in Meath, as well as the danger and the expense it is causing to motorists. The roads in the county, especially those in north Meath, are in a state of neglect. This neglect has translated to a risk that constituents face every time they start their engines. They must avoid some of the worst potholes - or should I say “craters” - in the country and it is getting worse.

Navigating these craters on four wheels is a nightmare, let alone on two wheels. It is a pure death trap for those who ride motorbikes. We receive a constant surge in emails and calls from constituents who are frustrated. They are tired of the continuous neglect of our road infrastructure that needs resurfacing and regular maintenance. Special funding is needed to bring the roads in north Meath up to a safe standard and we need targeted investment. The roads in north Meath are beaten and battered from years of being neglected and under-funded. There has been a lack of investment for years and it has left a backlog of well over 100 roads in north Meath that need immediate attention.

My colleague, Councillor Michael Gallagher, has been raising this issue for more than a decade, with little help or support. He has rightly pointed out that despite the best efforts of our outdoor staff and engineers of Meath County Council, they are fighting a losing battle against the elements and have inadequate support and funding from the Government, the Minister and previous transport Ministers. Constituents who must pay for repairs on their cars are being left out of pocket for vehicle damages that have been caused by the very roads they fund through their road tax.

Roads in north Meath do not just require a temporary patchwork, but a comprehensive plan to address the root of the problem. It is unacceptable that the condition of these roads is acting as a deterrent to investors that visit many factories and businesses in north Meath. The current three-year roads programme, as it stands, is insufficient. It does not meet the needs of north Meath. It is a disgrace that such a programme was passed when it fails to address the critical needs of the roads to make them safer. I highlighted this with the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, three years ago, before the roads programme was passed. We need a plan that does not just fill the potholes, but that rebuilds the roads infrastructure.

We believe that north Meath deserves better. We want a fair share of investment, an investment that will not just fill the potholes for a week, but that rebuilds the roads for the future and makes them safer for all to travel on. It is time that our elected officials, including the Minister of State, come to north Meath so I can show them these roads that are a pure and utter disgrace and so they can witness first-hand the conditions we are speaking of. We invite them to come not for a photo opportunity, but for a discussion about why the roads in north Meath have been left behind and what immediate actions the Minister of State will take on this. We are asking for an immediate fund to bring these roads up to a decent standard that will make it safe for anyone who travels on them.

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