Paddy Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I support Senator O'Loughlin with regard to the Garda pension. I have raised this issue previously and I fully support her on it.

I want to raise an issue regarding potholes and side subsidence of roads. With the constant rain we have had over the past six months, there is a considerable number of potholes. There is also subsidence along the sides of the roads. More and more people are cycling and this will affect cyclists. The constant rain is the problem. What is the position on the active travel budget? Is it allocated to each local authority? If they are getting it, are they using it for what it is supposed to be used? The condition of the roads has improved greatly over the past ten years. The structure of the roads throughout the country has improved unbelievably over the past ten years but with the constant rain over the past six months, there are potholes and subsidence along the sides of roads. This can be very dangerous for cyclists and motorists where they pull in, particularly on narrow roads where two cars cannot pass at normal speed. What is the position on the active travel budget? Can it be used for the likes of this type of work as well as for some of the main issues it is being used for? Perhaps the Acting Leader can get an update for us on the amount being allocated to each local authority over the past 12 months.