Theresa Ahearn
Ceist:81 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for the Environment the outcome of his meeting with all county managers in relation to useful expenditure on road repairs; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Road Works Expenditure.
I met city and county managers on 25 February 1994 to review the position on the maintenance and improvement of non-national roads, which the Government and I regard as a priority. My primary objective was to ensure that the State grants provision of £101.4 million for these roads in 1994 (an increase of 35 per cent on last year) together with the substantial expenditure from local authorities' own resources, would be used to best advantage. To this end, I stressed that the overall funds available, estimated at £162 million this year, should be allocated to work which will ensure value for money and give lasting benefits in terms of road conditions. I mentioned also the potential for greater community involvement on the repair and maintenance of local roads, whether through contributions in money or kind, in the light of the experience of counties where pilot projects have operated successfully.