MO registered cars are 'undesirable'

NEW cars purchased in Mayo are being registered in increasing numbers in Dublin, according to a member of Mayo County Council.

Gerry Ginty says this is due to the fact that Dublin registered cars have a far better resale value due to the hugely superior condition of roads in and around the capital.

At the monthly council meeting, Councillor Ginty railed about the present condition of roads in Mayo, especially around Ballina, which he likened to 'dirt tracks'.

“Garages in Dublin don't want to touch cars which originated in Mayo,” he stated.

“Vehicles from west of the Shannon,” he added, “are regarded as very undesirable because of the condition of the roads here.”

Other councillors expressed similar opinions to the Ballina based Independent representative. Councillor Damian Ryan (Fianna Fáil) said the road network has fallen into disrepair and needs a steady programme of investment. “Mayo roads are in a dire, dire, strait,” lamented Westport based Independent Christy Hyland.

Mulranny based Independent Michael Holmes said Mayo roads 'are an absolute disgrace'. It isn't the fault of the county council, he maintained, “it is the fault ot the people who cut budgets by 40%.”

Councillor Gerry Murray (Sinn Féin) said cuts designed to save money would cost money in the long term because a number of people whose cars were damaged by poor road infrastructure are considering legal action against the council.