asked the Minister for the Environment the plans, if any, for the provision of a dual-carriageway between Naas and Kilcullen, County Kildare.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Kildare Roads.
24.
There are no acceptable proposals before my Department for improvement of the existing road. I have, however, made provision in the Road Development Plan for the 1980s for the construction of a new route from the National Primary Route N7, south of Naas, to Kilcullen. The implementation of the project is dependent on the state of preparedness by Kildare County Council in regard to planning and land acquisition and on the Government's overall assessment of the priority ratings which should be given in any year to the competing demands for public funds.
Is the Minister saying that a completely new road to replace the existing road is being planned?
Yes, that is correct.
25.
asked the Minister for the Environment the up-to-date position with regard to the proposed Naas by-pass.
On 30 September 1978 I approved of detailed proposals submitted by Kildare County Council for the Naas By-Pass, and on 29 May 1979 I approved of the Naas By-Pass Motorway Scheme 1978 made by the council.
I understand that proceedings for the acquisition of the necessary lands are well advanced and that certain preliminary works have commenced. Grants totalling £455,000 have so far been allocated to the project and I expect to make further allocations to ensure its continuity.
Has the Minister any idea when the proposed by-pass will be completed?
I have no idea at the moment. I cannot state when the by-pass will be completed because obtaining the necessary land can be a rather slow process. I would not like to anticipate the outcome of that. I can assure the Deputy that it will progress with as much unavoidable delay as possible.
Can we have an estimate of the length of time?
I would not like to forecast it because when the acquisition of land is involved, as the Deputy knows well, it can be a rather tedious matter.
Is it not a fact that 75 per cent of the landowners have agreed to the offer made by Kildare County Council? Is it not a fact that there is a compulsory purchase order for the whole lot in one block? Is it not also a fact that 1982 was given as the date for the opening of the by-pass?
It is true to say that 75 per cent of the land required is in order but it is the 25 per cent that could prove difficult. It is understandable that it is the late ones which can turn out to be the most difficult. I would not like, therefore, to anticipate it. It is in the Road Development Plan for the 1980s. As the Deputy said 1982 was given. It is then a matter for Kildare County Council. They might decide that they are ready much earlier than that and they might decide it requires a higher priority. If Kildare County Council make such a case and put it forward to us we will certainly consider it. It could come much earlier than anticipated. This is why I would not like to tie myself to a date. It might be an earlier date rather than a later one because there are so many things involved in it.
Is the Minister saying that if the land is available we could get all the money to complete it in 1981?
I am not saying that. Kildare County Council will first have to decide the priority in which they would like to have it taken. If they want to give it a higher priority than it has at the present time and they come back to us on it with the land acquired, then the request will be given every consideration.