It is well known that Cork has the longest road network in Ireland. A statistic that is probably less well-known is that last year Cork had the highest number of road fatalities. There were 14 fatal incidents in Cork last year with 11 of those in the western division in west Cork. Despite those alarming statistics, Cork ranks third lowest in funding for the road network. On average it has €1,000 per kilometre less than the average for other counties. It is high time that Cork started getting the investment in its road network that it deserves. It is high time that important roads like the N71 serving areas like west Cork are funded. It is all well and good to talk about reducing speed limits. However, on most sections of the N71 it is not possible to reach 80 km/h and so that would make no difference. We need substantial investment in our roads in Cork. I ask the Taoiseach to make that a priority for budget 2024.

It is really shocking to see the increase the number of road fatalities in the past year. Given so many years of progress to see such an increase this year is really shocking. I know the condolences of the House will be extended to all the families and communities affected. The quality of our roads forms part of road safety but it is not the only part. Driver behaviour is much more significant as is enforcement and other such matters. We should not lose sight of what the major factors are. Regarding funding for road maintenance and restoration, local authorities have a number of sources of funding which they can put towards road maintenance. That includes direct grants from Government, the proceeds of the property tax, commercial rates and other charges like development levies. Local authorities have a reasonable degree of discretion as to how much they spend on their roads. I agree that the grants from Government should be increased in the forthcoming budget but we need to decide how much we can afford to do within the context of the 6.2% spending rule.