Sinn Féin TDs for Meath, Johnny Guirke and Darren O’Rourke, have blasted the Government over the woeful condition of Meath roads, declaring that the miniscule funding increase announced this week is a gross failure to deliver for the county. Deputy Guirke stated that the recent severe weather has pushed local roads to breaking point, yet the Government response is completely inadequate. Teachta Johnny Guirke said; “The condition of roads in Meath have deteriorated significantly with the recent rainfall and many roads in the county are of a very poor standard. This an issue I have been raising for years with both the Government and Meath County Council. This winter’s weather has exposed just how vulnerable our road network is after years of neglect. We are seeing potholes opening up across the county, creating hazards for everyone.
“At a time when rural families are being forced to pay more to drive their cars, the least they are entitled to are safe, decent roads. Instead, they are getting a derisory increase that won’t even cover the damage done in the last few weeks, never mind the years of underinvestment. We will be challenging every Government member to cop on and deliver the funding our communities in Meath deserve.”
Teachta Darren O’Rourke added; “When you strip it back, the figures are damning. Last year, Meath received €26,567,800. This year, the Government is offering just over €26.8 million – €26,872,000. That represents a truly pathetic 1% increase. Think of the relentless damage to roads in County Meath over the past few weeks alone. This level of funding won’t even cover the cost of temporary patches, never mind the permanent repairs required.
“This week, Government TDs in Meath – Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, and Independent – were congratulating themselves for providing roads funding for the county. What they conveniently didn’t mention is that this is a paltry 1% increase on last year! In the context of soaring construction inflation and the extensive damage caused by the recent harsh weather, this is effectively a cut. This is just pathetic and will mean roads in desperate need of repair won’t get it. You must ask the question – why do our Government TDs continually fail to deliver for Meath?”
