Asked and answered: roads funding

Around the Houses

Senator Sarah O'Reilly (Aon) said roads across Cavan and Monaghan are in "critical condition" with potholes, cracks and crumbling surfaces "accepted as normal".

"People pay their motor tax, carbon tax and tolls every day, yet they are driving on roads that are substandard and not fit for purpose."

The R191 Canningstown to Bailieborough road, "a major regional route," had to be closed last week because of a sinkhole, which she said "shows the scale of the problem we face".

She said official pavement surface condition index ratings show "a substantial portion" of the road network in County Cavan is between categories 1 and 4 and in categories 5 and 6, which are the worst categories.

"Cavan county councillors came to Leinster House many times last year with detailed evidence of road deterioration. They feel ignored and completely disrespected," she said.

"Will additional funding be allocated for roads in Cavan and Monaghan this year?" she asked.

Deputy Charlie McConalogue said funding of €19 million for Cavan and €17 million for Monaghan was delivered in February.

He said funding for the upkeep and renewal of roads is allocated on a per kilometre basis nationally.

"I am not sure of any fairer way to allocate this funding," he said.

He said county councils also have capacity within their own resources to decide on how they allocate their resources and whether any additional amount is given to road maintenance.

"The Senator is seeking additional funding and she outlined the pressure on the road system in both Cavan and Monaghan.

I will relay that to the Minister and Department."