asked the Minister for the Environment the reason for the delay in sanctioning the third and fourth phases of the Dundalk inner relief road, County Louth; and when this scheme will be sanctioned.
Written Answers. - Dundalk Road Project.
53.
I have examined proposals for phases 3 and 4 of the Dundalk inner relief road and for the Dundalk by-pass. I have decided to give priority to the provision of the Dundalk by-pass. This will form part of the new priority strategic route from Rosslare to the Border. The detailed operational programme for roads, which was submitted to the EC Commission on 30 March, includes provision for the commencement of the Dundalk by-pass during the programme period 1989 to 1993. The road grant allocation for 1989 includes a provision of £100,000 relating to the design of the by-pass.
The question of the need for phases 3 and 4 in addition to the by-pass is the subject of correspondence with Dundalk Urban District Council. The road grant allocation for 1989 includes provisions of £70,000 relating to the improvement of the existing Castletown Bridge and £140,000 relating to the improvement of the Newry Road, from the bridge to the customs station.