The Minister for Transport has admitted there is not enough money available to maintain the standard of local and regional roads.
Transport Minister Shane Ross said the current budget for upkeep of local roads is less than half of what is required.
He said the deficit will remain until at least 2020:
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The Minister said he has secured a 10% increase in funding - bringing the budget for 2017 up to €275m - however the increase still leaves his department €305m short of what is likely to be needed.
He said €580m per year is required to keep the roads in a “steady state.”