The programme for Government refers to roads. With regard to rural Ireland, I welcome the blitz in regard to the local improvement scheme and improving access to that type of private road. I would like to raise an issue in regard to tertiary roads and third class-type roads. I believe we should consider some sort of scheme and have a blitz in this area as well, which would not only aid the road network but would also aid rural Ireland. Councils are often pushing those roads into what was called the community involvement scheme, where members come up with a percentage of the cost. While that was required during recessionary times, now that we have the economic fruits coming back, we might look at a plan that would put funding into tertiary roads. Once they are done, many of these roads can last ten or 15 years.

I acknowledge Deputy Neville's strong advocacy for investment in roads at local, regional and national level in recent years. Thankfully, in recent years we have been in a position to increase the level of funding for local and regional roads, as well as for our national network. I accept it is not enough and that there is a lot of catching up to do. We know there have been years of under-investment and we are trying to catch up on that. I will discuss the matter with the Deputy in detail. If there are any specific cases, I will bring them to the attention of the roads section of the Department.

With regard to the community involvement scheme, in certain cases where there are a small number of houses on, for example, a major road, the amount required from residents can be prohibitive, which is something we need to look at, as I appreciate. I will be happy to engage further with the Deputy.