Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his response. These popular schemes are oversubscribed. It is important for the Government to keep the issue under close review. In regard to the criteria, the Minister of State identified some of the challenges at local authority level, such as the increased cost of works and the smaller number of contractors available. We need to look at every flexibility that we possibly can. There is demand for this but also a huge need for it. We know that many lanes and non-public roads are in desperate need of maintenance and repair. This is important work. In my own county, there is huge demand for this, it is hugely oversubscribed and it is desperately needed. There is potential in it if it is adequately supported.

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