Joe O'Toole (Independent)

Fáiltím roimh an Aire. I am pleased to have an opportunity to contribute to the debate. This issue should be on the agenda on a regular basis.

From my perspective, the support structures for the west, in particular, have been disimproving. I listened to Senator Kitt and I am well aware of the excellent points he raised. Under the National Roads Authority's plans, during the course of the last year 75% of the road projects west of the Shannon were behind schedule, while 45% of road projects in the south and east of the country were ahead of schedule. That was the position last year and matters have become worse. I know that the National Roads Authority has to cut its cloth to suit its measure and to operate within certain constraints but the signal we are sending out as a society is that rural Ireland takes second place. This is utterly and grossly unacceptable and represents a kick in the teeth for the people of rural areas.