Better roads will end car tax complaints, claims Cullen

MOTORISTS' complaints about the spiralling cost of car tax will be silenced by improvements in the standard some of the most travelled roads over the next year, Environment Minister Martin Cullen said yesterday.

Investment in secondary or non-national roads for the coming year has been kept in line with 2002, despite fears the budget would be slashed, the minister said.

Repairs will be delivered on time and on budget, road markings such as cats' eyes will be improved and for the first time, local authorities have been ordered to improve road sign-posting.

A number of long-awaited link and ring road projects will also get the green light, he confirmed.

Despite increased pressure on the public finances, €434 million will be available for non-national roads in 2003, Mr Cullen said yesterday.

This is double the 1997 provision and is just shy of the 2002 State grant payment of €435 million last year, he said.

The minister urged the county managers gathered in Waterford yesterday to ensure the finance was spent wisely.

The money invested in our roads will greatly enhance safety, he said, and with the penalty points system, should help significantly reduce carnage on our roads.

The 2003 allocation represents spending of more than €4,300 for every kilometre of non-national roads in the country.

And among specific schemes to benefit will be the Naas Ring Road, the South Dublin Outer Ring Road and the Wicklow Town Relief and Port Access Road.

The minister's own home constituency fares well with specific projects earmarked in Waterford, including the Tramore Ring Road as well as the Ballybeg Road and Outer Ring Road.

The programme outlined was described as "significant" by Brian Johnston, chairman of the City and County Managers Association.

"This will improve quality of life right around the country. These roads impact on everyone in their everyday life. This programme has been a great success over the years and through it we have achieved a level of infrastructure which is second to none.

"The roads restoration programme has been a spectacular success and it is fantastic that it is being maintained. We are very pleased with the independent evaluator's report which shows we have delivered value for money to date," said Mr Johnston.