Sinn Féin TD for Meath West, Johnny Guirke TD, has slammed the lack of investment from both local and national Government as roads in North Meath fall into further disrepair. Teachta Guirke said:
“The condition of our roads across North Meath has reached an unacceptable level of disrepair. Residents and road users are dealing with dangerous potholes, deteriorating surfaces, and a lack of proper maintenance of these roads daily. These roads now pose a very real risk to the safety of drivers.
“I have been working on this issue for the past twelve years, consistently raising concerns and pushing for action. Despite repeated representations, the situation on the ground continues to worsen. This is simply not good enough for the people of North Meath, who deserve safe and reliable infrastructure. People in the area have become so frustrated and worried that they have discussed organising into local groups to fill these potholes themselves. It is outrageous that people who work hard and pay their road tax have become so neglected by national and local government that they feel there is no other option but to repair essential road infrastructure themselves, which is supposed to be maintained by local authorities.
“I want to acknowledge the ongoing efforts of both Cllr Peter Caffrey and Cllr Michael Gallagher, who like me, have been highlighting the dire state of these roads to Meath County Council. Together, we have consistently raised the urgency of addressing road conditions, yet the response has fallen far short of what is required.
“The recent measly increase in funding allocated to roads in County Meath is completely inadequate. It does not come close to addressing the scale of the problem we are facing. Decades of underinvestment have left our road network in a dire state, and small incremental patch work is simply putting a plaster on the problem.
“What is needed now is significant and sustained investment in our roads. Anything less will only prolong the hardship faced by communities across North Meath. I along with my colleagues Cllr Peter Caffrey and Cllr Michael Gallagher, will continue to press for the funding and resources necessary to bring our roads up to a safe and acceptable standard.”
