Sinkage on the main N18 Ennis to Limerick road in the Bunratty area could cost up to €1.5 million to repair but there are no plans to take remedial action as there is no funding to carry out the work.

The issue was raised by Cllr Sean McLoughlin at the recent meeting of the Shannon area committee.

According to area engineer, Eugene O’Shea, the council has submitted a funding application to the National Roads Authority but has not had any success with this to date.

Among other roads issues discussed, councillors in the Shannon area have called for more attention to be given to trimming grass and vegetation on the roadside.

A number of areas were singled out including Stonehall and the N18 in the Bunratty area and at Ballymorris Cross.

In addition the area engineer noted that surface dressing to roads damaged with the severe winter frost is due to commence in July and tarmacadam will be laid by Roadstone within two weeks.

Asked by Cllr PJ Ryan why the council does not carry out this work, Mr O’Shea said it has to be outsourced because the local authority does not have the plant, equipment or skills to do this type of work.

According to Cllr Ryan outsourcing this work to contractors is eating up a substantial part of the area’s roads budget.

However Mr O’Shea said that the structural integrity of the roads is better protected with tarmacadam and this is a more effective long-term option.

With regard to footpaths, Cllr Gerry Flynn was concerned that trade union difficulties have held up progress.

According to Mr O’Shea work on the footpaths programme will commence before the end of this week. He confirmed that the full programme of works will be completed before the deadline for the grant expires.