asked the Minister for the Environment if his Department will allow Galway County Council to complete the by-pass road at Ballinasloe, County Galway; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on when this road will be opened.
Written Answers. - Ballinasloe (Galway) By-Pass.
564.
Technical details of this scheme were approved by my Department in December 1980. Road grants totalling £660,000 have been allocated to meet the current estimated cost of this scheme and £417,000 has been paid to date.
The scheme involves the construction of a section of new road from River Street to Harbour Lane and the widening of Harbour Lane. While the section of new road is virtually completed, I understand that the council have not yet succeeded in acquiring all the land required in Harbour Lane. I have already sought clarification of the position from the council. Pending receipt of its observations in the matter, I am not in a position to say when the by-pass will be opened.