IFA slams ‘unacceptable’ rural road conditions

The results of the first national survey of local and regional roads confirm that many farm families and rural dwellers have to daily endure unacceptable road conditions, according to the Irish Farmers’ Association.

Tim O’Leary, deputy president, said the survey, completed by the National Oversight and Audit Commission, found that over 75% of national roads are not in top condition, and almost one-third of minor roads have some form of structural damage.

An additional concern is the failure of at least five local authorities to complete the survey, he said.

The IFA has called on the Government to implement two key measures, set out in the association’s Charter for Rural Ireland policy framework.

It wants a robust budget put in place, with funding from the Department of Transport ring-fenced for rural roads each year and allocated to local authorities as part of a planned annual repair and maintenance programme.

The restoration in each local authority region of the fully funded Local Improvement Scheme, which supports works to be undertaken on local roads, is also being sought.