Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his response. By all means, I welcome any funding that is provided to a local authority, as it is needed. I have made the case for many counties in rural Ireland, but particularly counties Monaghan and Cavan.

In many ways, it is a false economy not to keep roads at a certain standard. If adequate funding is not allocated to local authorities, the road network will get worse and it will ultimately take more money to repair it. The Minister of State can appreciate that there is a case for increased funding. For counties like Monaghan and Cavan, roads are the only show in town because there is no other mode of travel. It is essential that they be maintained to an adequate level. I ask that the Minister of State take that point back to the Minister.

An invitation has been issued to the Minister by the elected members of Monaghan County Council to visit the county and see at first hand the black spots in question. If the Minister of State also passed on that invitation on my behalf, I would welcome it.