asked the Minister for Local Government if he will direct the county councils of Kildare and Dublin to spend their arterial road grants in bringing the road from Kilcock to Dublin up to standard.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kilcock-Dublin Road.
37.
The carrying out of the work on this road is a matter for the county councils of Dublin and Kildare. I am, however, aware that the councils are engaged on survey and design works for the purpose of securing certain improvements to the road.
Surely the Minister is aware that it is not a matter for the county council? The Department very frequently direct the county council where to spend the arterial road grants. As a matter of fact, Westmeath County Council were directed this year to spend it south of Moate when we wanted to spend it around the Ratrabridge area. The Minister travels this road very often. Will he not agree that it is one of the worst stretches of road in Ireland? While we have excellent roads west of Kilcock on the road from Kilcock to Dublin you very often have queues one and two miles long and this road needs to be repaired immediately.
As the Deputy knows, I travel this road very often and I am aware of the need for improvements on it. I will keep a special eye on it.
Will the Minister not agree that his Department does and has——
We consult.
No, you direct. The Department directed us. Westmeath County Council wanted to spend the money on the stretch of road between Ratrabridge and Kinnegad. Despite the fact that the county council by vote wanted to spend the money in the Ratrabridge-Kinnegad area, the Department directed the county council to spend it in the area south of Moate, between Moate and Athlone. Will the Minister make inquiries now and look into this matter? Perhaps it was when Deputy Boland was there and he was more inclined to direct than discuss. The present Minister may be inclined to cooperate a bit more.