Over two thirds of Ireland's roads are in a state of disrepair, according to a report by the National Oversight and Audit Commission.

Fianna Fail spokesperson, Robert Troy TD, accused the government of failing to invest in the road infrastructure which has has left them requiring significant remedial work.

He said: "The underinvestment in roads infrastructure is preventing Local Authorities from carrying out much needed repairs, and this is having an impact on road safety. It is also leading to increased service costs for motorists as poor road surfaces take their toll on vehicles.

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"On average, spending on roads maintenance between 2012 and 2016 was almost half of what was required to maintain our existing road network. The findings made by the National Oversight and Audit Commission are unsurprising when you consider the Government has starved Local Authorities of the funding they need to maintain their current roads infrastructure.

"Minister Ross has recently announced €417m under the Regional and Local Road Investment Scheme. This is just a third of the funding that is actually needed to maintain our roads year on year. It's disappointing and highlights that this Government is content with continuing the policy of underinvesting in roads infrastructure, leaving motorists and other road users to pick up the costs."

(CD/LM)