asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state his policy, with particular referance to County Dublin, in regard to (a) the provision of motorways and (b) the improvement of existing main roads.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Dublin Roads.
59.
My concern in matters of roads policy is not limited to the road classifications refferred to in the question, but extends to all the public road networks including county roads. It is my aim to make the fullest possible grant provision within available financial resources to assist local authorities to carry out the works necessary to facilitate the movement of road traffic and promote the safety of all road users. Particular consideration is beging given to the needs of the heavily trafficked routes and to measures to relieve congestion in the urban areas.
Where new roads are required, construction to motorway standards, with access restricted to certain types of motor vehicle, will be considered, where projected traffic flows indicate that this type of road would be the most efficient and economical. Legislation will be necessary to empower local authorities to construct motorways, and the introduction of such legislation is being examined.
The maximum permissible grant allocation, consistent with needs of other areas will be made to enable Dublin County Council to proceed with their roads programme, including improvements to the main approaches to the city and to important surburban routes, as well as new road construction to serve the developing housing areas west of the city.
Would the Minister give us any indication when it is intended to bring forward this legislation with regard to motorway construction?
It is at present being prepared as a matter of urgency and will be presented to the Dáil at the earliest possible date. I am sorry I cannot be more definite than that.
The Minister is well aware of the disgraceful condition of the main access road from the north into the city of Dublin. Can we be assured that the Minister will in no way delay any compulsory purchase orders that come before him for the acquisition of land for the very necessary improvement of this road?
I did notice that it was in pretty bad shape for a very long time, but I do not notice it so much now.
Mr. Kitt
There must be good springs in the State car.
Yes I got a good one. My car will not be sold for £500 eventually.
Mr. Kitt
I hope the Minister will not forget the west.
I am going over there shortly.
What about the entrance to the city from the west? The Kilcock-Dublin road is a scandal. It is a disgrace to the Dublin and Kildare County Council. A journey from Dublin to Kilcock can take two hours. The journey from there to Galway might only take another hour.
It is a pity the Deputy was not in this House over the years when he might have been able to perstauade the former Minister to do something about it.
Is the Minister going to continue with the plan for a motorway from Dublin to Kilcock? I had initiated this scheme.
There is no proposal to discontinue this scheme.