A chara, - As a cyclist, motorist and pedestrian, I have noticed the deteriorating condition of minor roads where water can no longer run into drains and ditches, as these are often blocked. In such cases the man with the shovel does an essential job at re opening old drainage routes. However, because of staff cutbacks in local authorities, the repairs are either not done or done by a JCB, which often wrecks the older drainage systems in attempting to impose a new drain on the old one.
Would it not be a good idea if the local authority made a case to Government that the money needed to pay the "shovel brigade" would be an investment and the cost of road repair could: be reduced as a result? Central Government could provide many thousands of jobs if it was to embrace this policy. It would also encourage more people to cycle and walk where puddles would no longer be a hazard on road sides.
How long must we wait before the condition of minor roads deteriorate to the point of being potholed mud tracks? Meanwhile, the Government is paying people to remain available for work when the work is there to be done in abundance. Le gach dea ghui,
Tara Cove,
Baile Brigin,
Fingal,
Co Atha Cliath.