A NOTORIOUS stretch of the N71 between Bandon and Gaggin junction needs immediate funding and an urgent upgrade, according to Cork South West Fianna Fáil TD Christopher O’Sullivan.

The Minister for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity was speaking following a second collision on that stretch of road in as many weeks which he said shows how desperately the road needs an upgrade.

‘The road is a dire state with potholes and needs upgrade works urgently and TII (Transport Infrastructure Ireland) needs to provide funding for major road resurfacing there,’ said Minister O’Sullivan, who previously described this stretch of the national secondary road as ‘nothing short of a disgrace.’

He added that the road, which is both slippery when icy and riddled with potholes is a hazard and needs immediate attention.

Funding was secured from TII over two years ago to resurface just 750m of that road while the rest of this bad stretch of road leading to the Gaggin junction hasn’t been resurfaced or repaired.

Local councillors have also complained that the surface is tending to sink at the sides making it even more dangerous while line marking at the junction near the council-owned reclycing centre are non-existant at the moment.

Meanwhile, Independent Ireland leader Michael Collins said the ‘atrocious condition’ of some roads in West Cork including the N71 is making remote working a necessity.

He was speaking during a recent Dáil debate on the legal right to remote and flexible working options.

‘People send me pictures of potholes when the two front wheels or back wheels of their cars go into them,’ said the Cork South West TD.

‘The Government’s allocation pattern demonstrates a clear disregard for Cork’s scale and needs. Proper and proportionate funding is essential to clear backlogs, enhance safety and support rural communities.’

Cork County Council was contacted for comment.