asked the Minister for Local Government what action is being taken in relation to the provision of proper exit roads from Dublin city to centres such as Dublin Airport, Navan and Galway; and if he will make a general policy statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin City Exit Roads.
48.
I am fully cognisant of the urgent need for improvement of the arterial routes leading out of Dublin, including those mentioned by the Deputy, and I have assured the road authorities concerned that the necessary financial support will be forthcoming for the works involved. These road authorities are engaged on a comprehensive programme for the development of the routes to modern standards, including planning and design, land acquisition, and execution of works. Thus, work on the improvement to dual carriageway standard of a number of sections of the Dublin-Naas road has already been completed and work is in progress on a further section; work has also been completed on a section of the Bray road, namely, the section at Loughlinstown.
As to the question of a general policy statement on this matter, I would draw attention to the Second Programme for Economic Expansion in which it is stated that it is clear from the traffic data available that roads of at least dual carriageway standards are already required on certain of the arterial routes radiating out of Dublin, and that priority will be given to the improvement of these routes during the course of the Programme.