asked the Minister for the Environment the reason section 60 of the Civil Liability Act, 1961 which was passed by Dáil Éireann and which gives injured parties a cause of action against county councils for inadequate maintenance of roads, has never been brought into operation; and if he has any plans either to repeal the section or to bring it into operation.
Written Answers. - Civil Liability Act Provisions.
36.
The Government have decided that section 60 of the Civil Liability Act, 1961 should not be brought into operation because our road network is not yet sufficiently developed to justify the imposition of the additional obligation on road authorities. If section 60 were brought into force, it would place an additional financial burden on local authorities in defending and meeting claims for damages for non-feasance. This would divert resources from road development and simply result in a further deterioration in road conditions.
The Government will keep the question of bringing the section into force under regular review.