asked the Minister for the Environment if arrangements have been made for a meeting between himself and his counterpart in the Department of Environment in Stormont to decide outstanding matters relating to the proposed roadway from Belfast to Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Belfast/Dublin Roadway.
7.
When I met Mr. Chris Patten, MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary responsible for the Northern Ireland Department of the Environment, on 28 November 1984, we agreed that before a final decision could be taken on the question of implementing the recommendations of the joint study on the Newry-Dundalk road, there was a need for further information on financial and technical issues. We also agreed that these matters should be discussed at official level. When the discussions at official level have been completed arrangements will be made for a further ministerial meeting. In any event, I would expect a final decision to be reached within a few months.
Could the Minister state when work is likely to commence on this proposed road?
I could not give a definite answer on that. As I said, discussions have not been completed. My officials met on 10 January and I understood that satisfactory progress was made on this issue then. The next meeting is to be held today and it is hoped that a decision will be taken at this meeting which will allow a final decision at ministerial level to be taken in March or April.