Sir, - The Minister of the Environment proposes legislation to appoint a commissioner to take over the planning function of local authorities in cases of "impropriety, serious inefficiency or non-compliance with statutory requirements".
It seems to me that many of the poor road surfaces in the country arise from utility companies (Telecom, Bord Gais, etc) opening a road and subsequently making poor repairs to the road surface.
As the local authorities appear to have little interest in insisting on proper repairs being made, perhaps the Minister might consider extending his proposed legislation to cover (mis)management of the roads. - Yours, etc.,
Brendan Kelly, Melbourn Road, Bishopstown, Cork.