asked the Minister for the Environment the reason for the construction of a dual-carriageway on the national primary road, from the dry arc, Letterkenny to Pluck; the need for it; the cost to complete it; and the purpose it will serve.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Donegal Dual-Carriageway.
11.
In light of the Deputy's question, I am arranging to have the need for a dual-carriageway at this location reexamined. The scheme, as proposed, and which commenced in 1985, would cost an estimated £8.7 million.
Has a cost analysis been carried out and has the benefit been assessed?
Donegal County Council suggested at a public inquiry that the traffic volume for that section of road would require that it be built as a dual-carriageway. The road was designed to cater for expected traffic volume in the year 2003, which is standard road design practice. My Department asked the local authority to examine the economic implicaiton of phasing the construction of the dualled section and starting the road as a single leg at this stage. As a result of the Deputy's question I have asked for a reexamination as to whether there is necessity for the road to be dualled.
I welcome progress and would be the last person to raise any objections to it. However, in Donegal, due to inadequate financing, the county road system is virtually collapsing. A decision has been taken by the county council to abandon any roadworks on county roads. Is the Minister prepared to have a review of the funding given to Donegal County Council in order to avoid a collapse of the road system and the major difficulties which could arise as a result?
That question relates to county roads rather than to this road. I have already had a discussion on county roads.
Would the Minister be prepared to meet a deputation made up of the county manager, the county engineer and some councillors to discuss this problem?
This question refers to a specific road.
If the Taoiseach finds it hard to talk to him in Dublin it is unlikely he will meet some one from County Donegal. He will have a quasi-judicial role——
(Interruption.)
May I ask a question?
What about? I know you are not serious. You are having the Chair on.
I have a question——
Is the Minister prepared to meet a deputation to discuss this matter?
I do not see how that question arises out of a question about the Letterkenny to Pluck Road.
If it is a question in relation to the road from Letterkenny to Pluck——
It is in connection with the maintenance of county roads.
That would not be in order.
May I ask one question?
I had a question down.
Our progress at Question Time is slow enough without going into reverse gear.