In the 1985 Road Plan, this scheme is scheduled to commence in 1987. On 6 May 1986, I approved the local authority's outline plans for the scheme. This approval, which is without prejudice to any statutory procedures that may arise, enables the local authority to proceed with the detailed planning of the route and to initiate procedures for the acquisition of the land needed to implement the scheme. Subject to the outcome of any such statutory procedures, the target commencement date can be achieved.
The cost of the scheme will be met in full by my Department. To date, road grant commitments totalling £1 million, including £500,000 in the current year, have been notified to the local authority to meet preliminary costs arising on the scheme. I am concerned to get this scheme underway as soon as possible and am pressing for accelerated target dates for each of the remaining planning stages. The scheme will form part of the vitally important ring road around Dublin. I recently announced that all sections of this ring road are expected to be in construction, as targeted, by 1988. The current estimated construction costs for the entire project is £120 million approximately.