I have raised previously the atrocious condition of local roads across rural communities including in my county of Monaghan. Local roads are in the worst state seen in decades because the Government has underfunded councils. It now appears that rather than addressing the shortfall at a time when the Government is increasing fuel costs, we have been told by industry that TII plans further unexpected cuts to road projects. It seems the Government hoped this news of cuts would be kept under wraps until after the local elections. I ask the Taoiseach today whether the Government intends to provide councils with the additional funding they need to restore our local road network or if it is the case that the Government proposes to reduce the number of road projects being completed this year.

We intend to invest more in roads, the TII and local authorities including in Cavan and Monaghan.

That is not what it is telling the industry.

I expect news very shortly.