asked the Minister for Defence if he will grant permission to Wicklow County Council to enter on lands subject to the control of his Department for the purpose of constructing a road from Glenmalure to the Glen of Imaal; and if he is aware of the potential tourist value of such a road.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Wicklow Road.
43.
If a new road were constructed within my Department's lands on which the Glen of Imaal artillery range is situated, either the use of the range would have to be considerably restricted or traffic on the road would have to be stopped very frequently— especially during the Summer artillery training period, which coincides with the tourist season.
As the range is the only artillery range available to the Defence Forces the former course could not be contemplated; if the latter course were adopted the potential tourist value of the road would be considerably diminished.
In the circumstances permission cannot be granted to Wicklow County Council to enter on the military lands for the purpose of constructing a new road.