The Government has been slammed after it was revealed that money paid for motor tax is not used to repair and upgrade roads throughout Ireland.

The money was previously paid into the Local Government Fund and distributed to Local Authorities, however this was stopped by the Government on 01 January.

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Fianna Fáil's TD for Laois, Sean Fleming, said: "The money raised through motor tax is now paid directly to the Revenue Commissioners, like all other taxation. This means the money people spend on motor tax is no longer being spent on the upkeep and maintenance of roads.

"This policy change has far reaching implications. There is now a new serious risk that central Government will not always provide the funding needed for the repair, maintenance and upkeep of local roads."

(CD/LM)