asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state, with regard to his decisions on the reclassification of roads, why Kilkenny city was not included in the national primary route network.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Reclassification of Roads.
4.
As indicated in reply to a question in similar terms from Deputy Loughnane yesterday, the designation of the routes forming the national road network, which I announced on 23rd July last, is at present being reviewed in the light of representations which have been received in my Department. Representations to the effect that a national primary route should pass through Kilkenny city have been received and these will be considered in the course of the review.
Is the Minister aware that Kilkenny city is the only city or large town which has been excluded from the national primary route?
I said this matter is being reviewed and those things will be taken into consideration. I do not intend to decide the matter now.
Can we take it the Minister has made no final decision on this matter?
I said the decision which has been made is at present under review.
How long will it take to review this decision?
I do not know.
Would the Minister agree it is a peculiar situation to see Kilkenny not included in the national primary route plan?
The question of designating a road through Kilkenny as a national primary route will be considered in connection with this review.
Could the Minister say how it came about that Kilkenny was excluded in the decision already made when one considers the criteria under which the Minister based his decision on those national primary routes? They were to serve as connectors between the cities and large towns.
There are other large towns.
There is no other large town excluded from the national primary route.
There is.
There is not. Could the Minister say what other large town in the whole of Ireland is excluded from the national primary route?
The question of including Kilkenny will be reviewed. I do not intend to make a decision now.
Why was Kilkenny discriminated against?
Kilkenny was not discriminated against.
Question No. 5.
It was the only city or large town in Ireland left out.
It may be the only city but it is not the only large town.
The Minister said there are other large towns left out. I ask him to name one.
Put down a question.
You should be taking this up with the Minister for Defence.
Bring it up on the Adjournment.
In view of the Minister's unsatisfactory reply to this question, I should like, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to raise the matter on the Adjournment.
The Chair will communicate with the Deputy.