asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he is aware that the Naas-Dublin road, recently steam-rolled, is in many places as bad as before the work was undertaken, and, in view of this fact, whether he will advise the limitation of weight carried by heavy lorries quite unsuitable to the present construction of the highways, or recommend the increase of taxation on heavy traffic vehicles.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - THE DUBLIN-NAAS ROAD.
The work referred to as having been carried out was intended to be of a temporary nature pending the application of a definite permanent improvement scheme. Provision has been made by means of a grant from the Road Fund for the re-surfacing by modern methods of the Naas road in County Dublin. I have, however, asked the Chief Roads Engineer to report to me on the complaint made by the Deputy.
The other matters referred to are before a sub-committee of the Roads Advisory Committee.
Arising out of the Minister's answer, is he aware that between Blackchurch and Rathcoole the road is now practically impassable. It was patched up or repaired some time ago, but the holes are so large that it is absolutely dangerous, certainly to horses. Even to motors it will soon be impassable also. Is the Minister aware that over this road, traffic of enormous weight is carried that ought to be carried by the railway, and that the ratepayers are paying for traffic which ought to be carried by the railway? Will he take steps to remedy this anomaly?
I think the Deputy will have to put down a separate question to the Minister on that.