asked the Minister for the Environment if a special grant will be allocated in respect of Conor Pass Road, County Kerry.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kerry Road Grants.
1.
The road referred to by the Deputy is a county road and, accordingly, any work undertaken on this road falls to be financed from the county council's own funds supplemented by the block grant which in the case of Kerry County Council amount to £315,000 in 1977. The timing and execution of these works is a matter for decision by the council. There are no other funds at my disposal from which additional grants could be made available this year.
Is the Minister aware that this road is collapsing and is causing great hardship to farmers in Cloghane and Castlegregory as they cannot travel to Dingle? In view of the seriousness of the situation, would the Minister consider increasing the block grant for the coming year with a special mention for this road?
As the Deputy knows, a sum of £315,000 was made available this year. I will certainly be considering the matter for the coming year but I would point out that no further funds are available for this year.
2.
asked the Minister for the Environment if a special grant will be allocated in respect of the Ring of Kerry road.
In addition to a grant of £9,000 notified to Kerry County Council on 1st February, 1977 for repairs to Caragh Bridge, I allocated a special Road Fund grant amounting to £72,500 on 21st July, 1977, towards the cost of strengthening sections of this road. I have no further funds at my disposal from which an additional grant can be made this year. However, in determining the road grants for 1978, I will bear in mind the case for further works on this road.
I am sure the Minister is aware of the serious deterioration of this road in the past few years. Because of the very fine weather the road cracked and collapsed in several parts. There is bogland on both sides. As this is one of the most important secondary roads in Kerry, would the Minister consider increasing the allocation for this road? Is he prepared to meet a deputation from residents of the area?
Yes.
Has the Minister received any communication regarding a deputation?
As far as I can recall there is a deputation arranged for next week and probably this matter will be discussed then. I would point out to the Deputy that I allocated a special Road Fund grant of £72,500 on 21st July last. I will bear in mind the case for further works on this road in the coming year.