Improving the M8 for the benefit of Tipperary

If anyone reading this lives close to the M8 and a councillor canvasses you at your door, please raise the issue of the motorway's:

a) litter problem due to the lack of bins at the parking areas between junctions 9 and 12;

b) lack of any maintainence along the Cashel Bypass, both from a litter and roadside planting point of view;

c) lack of any landscaping on the new N24/M8 junction at Cahir;

d) lack of tourist signage (such as "Welcome to County Tipperary" and "Cahir Castle" signs);

e) lack of emergency telephones between junctions 7 and 12;

as well as

f) South Tipp's failure to maintain the verges properly along the entire length of the motorway.

In recessionary times, a place like Tipp needs passing trade and tourists more than ever. The M8, as it is currently maintained, does not invite motorists and tourists to stop off at Tipp's towns. Indeed, because of the lack of care and maintenance, it bespeaks a lack of pride on the part of Tipp people for the appearance of their county.

So, as I said, please raise this issue with politicians when they canvass you. It's the only way to get the gears turning.