asked the Minister for the Environment whether he will now up-grade the Thurles-Nenagh Road, County Tipperary, to national secondary status in view of (i) the fact that the low standard of grading of roads into Thurles from Limerick, Nenagh and other areas is seriously militating against development of the town; (ii) the appalling road accident record of the existing road; and (iii) the significance of the road as a link from Cork, Kilkenny, Waterford and Wexford to Nenagh and locations north of Nenagh such as Galway, Loughrea and Portumna.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Tipperary Road Designation.
21.
(Dublin South-East): The considerations mentioned in the question have been put to my Department by Tipperary (North Riding) County Council and have been carefully examined. They do not, however, at this stage warrant the addition of the road in question to the national road network.
The Deputy will be aware that I have already made a preliminary designation of the Thurles-Nenagh road as the R498 within the proposed regional road system and that, in recognition of the need to improve it, special state grants of £100,000 have been allocated to it, both in 1981 and in the present year.
Perhaps the Minister could indicate the last time he received a request from Tipperary North Riding County Council about improvements to that road? I am aware that the point was made to his colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Connolly. Prior to that, the request was made two years ago. Is the Minister aware that 90 road traffic accidents have occurred on that road, not including those which took place in the near vicinity of Thurles and Nenagh towns over the last five years, six of these accidents being fatal? In view of the very high rate of unemployment in the Thurles area, the fact that this area being located on the edge of the mid-west region, has been left in a very bad position as regards attracting new industry, and in view of the accident rate on the roads, would the Minister review the decision taken?
(Dublin South-East): I will be happy to look into the matter again in the light of what the Deputy has said.
The remaining Questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.
Could I have written replies to the following questions, please: Nos. 278, 407, 701 and 751?
(Waterford): Could I have written answers to Questions Nos. 436 and 487 to 495, inclusive?
Could I have a written reply to Questions Nos. 306 and 315 on today's Order Paper?
Could I have written replies to Questions Nos. 248, 249, 250, 251 and 252.
Questions Nos. 278, 407, 701, 751, 436, 487 to 495, inclusive, 306, 315, 248 to 252, inclusive, for written reply.