asked the Minister for Defence if he will donate or transfer at a reasonable figure land adjoining public roads on the Curragh plains to Kildare County Council for road widening purposes.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Kildare Road Widening.
12.
In general, the answer to the Deputy's question is in the affirmative.
My Department are at present considering an application from the Kildare County Council for the acquisition of a portion of the State lands at the Curragh for the purpose of widening the road from Melitta Lodge to Moore's Bridge. The application is the subject of correspondence between my Department and the council.
Is the Minister aware that a very considerable amount of money has been mentioned in connection with compensation for this small piece of land, something in the region of £4,000? It has been estimated locally that if all the Curragh could be sold at this rate the Government would be in a position to get rid of the national debt.
The Deputy is aware that a very happy business relationship exists between my Department and Kildare County Council——
Up to now.
Let us hope that will continue. I assure the Deputy further that arrangements are being made to discuss the matter with officials of Kildare County Council.
I trust that the Minister will see, since he uses these roads very frequently, that the matter is treated more favourably than it was treated by his predecessor.
I can assure the Deputy that discussions will take place as soon as possible and if the Deputy wishes I shall keep him informed of all developments.
Thank you.