At a recent meeting of the Northern Area Committee, councillors wrote to the Transport Minister asking that funding be provided to repair roads affected by the closure of the N72 – however, in a recent letter from the Minister’s office, it seems that the buck has been passed, as they have said that it’s the responsibility of the National Roads Authority (NRA).

At the meeting, councillors argued that due to the prolonged closure of the N72, many roads that otherwise wouldn’t have been used, were suddenly accommodating much heavier traffic than they were used to and were consequently left in a worse state than the road that was originally in need of repair.

Councillors said that in cases like this, funding should be provided for the main road works and they should also facilitate for the road works that will be needed on any diversion routes.

However, in response to this request, Leo Varadker’s office stated that the Department is responsible for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme, but that the construction, improvement and maintenance of particular roads is the responsibility of the NRA.

“As the construction work on the N72 is therefore the responsibility of the NRA, I have passed your letter to the Chief Executive Officer of the NRA, Mr Fred Barry, and asked him to respond directly to you in the matter,” the letter read.