asked the Minister for the Environment if he will give details of the works programme in the Road Development Plan for the 1980's where the original projected time scale for starts and completions will not now be met; and the new projections.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Road Development Plan.
5.
In addition to the regular monitoring of progress on the road development plan which is carried out in my Department, I have initiated an examination which will take account of variations in the pace of implementation of the individual projects involved. When this has been completed, I will be in a position to indicate the updated position of these schemes within the overall plan. In the meantime, Government support for the plan is shown in the substantial level of roads grants which has been made available this year.
Arising from the Minister's reply to the question from Deputy Markey, has the timetable contained in the plan been adhered to or has there been any revisions from the time schedule set out in the plan?
There is no change in the timespan. When we get the up-to-date plan of what the progress is, if there have to be alterations in it the Minister will let the House know.
When does the Minister expect to have the exact information asked for in my question?
In about three months.
One of the major national primary roads needing more attention is the road to the west. As a member of the central local authority——
A question, Deputy, please.
There are three county councils involved, Dublin Corporation and Council and Kildare, endeavouring to get this crucial section——
The Deputy will please ask a question.
Would the Minister take a particular interest in this problem to see if he could get the three local authorities together to improve this national primary?
Is that the road to Galway South?
To Galway East.
I will have that matter looked into but as the Deputy will appreciate, it will depend on the acquisition of land which, I regret to say, is a slow process under the present law. If there is anything I can do to help the three local authorities I will be only too glad to do so.
I would like to raise on the Adjournment the continuing dispute in the District Courts which has rendered the courts inoperative.
I will communicate with the Deputy.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Are there any plans for the improvement of the Dublin-Navan road, especially between Blanchardstown and Clonee?
I do not have that information here, but if the Deputy puts down a written or oral question I will be only too glad to give him the information.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Would the Minister accept that this is one of the most unsatisfactory roads in the country and which does not seem to have been improved within living memory?
The Deputy will appreciate that when the Coalition were in office the roads were very bad and when we came into office we allocated an extra £10 million to alleviate the position. That shows the interest my Government and my Minister have in the road network. We are fully committed to this plan.
We cannot have a debate on this question.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Arising out of the Minister's general remarks is he aware that the road I am talking about — from Clonee to Dublin via Blachardstown — has not been improved since 1932? Would he accept that his party had responsibility for this situation for most of that time?
I will have the matter looked into.
Would the Minister agree that at this stage he should allow the local authorities more autonomy or flexibility in regard to the capital expenditure made available for road works? For example, once the capital allocation is made to a local authority it is specified where that money is to be spent, generally on national primary and national secondary roads, but we have a county road system where conditions are deteriorating. Would the Minister allow local authorities flexibility so far as the expenditure of capital is concerned?
I appreciate the point raised by the Deputy but, as he is aware, part of the money allocated comes from the EEC Regional Fund and is for roads which are specified. I have no control over money provided for funds for special projects. Maybe the Deputy is suggesting more flexibility should be given to the block grant. I will have that matter looked at.