asked the Minister for the Environment whether he has made any decisions recently regarding the N4 Leixlip/Kilcock motorway by-pass; the effect such decisions, if any, are likely to have on the schedule for the implementation of the motorway scheme; the possible delays, if any, in relation to the remaining administrative and financial procedures yet to be gone through in respect of this matter; if he will indicate the starting date in respect of the project; if he will give an updated cost of the work involved; if he will indicate the commencement date for site operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - County Kildare Motorway Project.
59.
On 17 June 1988, I made an order approving Kildare County Council's motorway scheme for the proposed Kilcock/Maynooth/Leixlip by-pass. It is now a matter for the local authority to proceed with the preparation of detailed plans and contract documents for the project.
The commencement of construction and the duration of the construction period are dependent on the availability and timing of finance. These issues are being considered in the context of the development, by my Department, of an operational plan for national roads for submission to the EC in the context of the revised Structural Funds. A firm cost estimate for the scheme is not available at this stage pending completion, inter alia, of detailed planning.
The by-pass is one of four projects which my Department considers to be potentially suitable for private investment involving tolls, subject to the statutory procedures involved.