Austin Deasy
Question:13 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment if he will grant approval to Waterford Corporation for the commencement of an outer ring road at the Dunmore Road in Waterford city in view of the large increase in traffic.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Waterford City Ring Road.
Responsibility for works on non-national routes, such as the proposed outer ring road for Waterford, is a matter for the road authority concerned, in this case Waterford Corporation. Such works do not require my approval.
Does the Minister not know that for the works to be carried out Waterford Corporation have to receive finance from his Department? Is that finance available in the current year?
They can fund it from their own resources.
I wish to point out to the Minister that he received a deputation from Waterford Corporation on this matter on 24 April last.
That is right.
Is the Minister aware of his own words at a press conference at the setting up of the National Roads Authority on 5 May that phase 1 of the outer ring road in Waterford — the road in question — would start in 1991? The Minister clearly led people to understand that the work would be assisted by the Department of the Environment.
That was before the election.
The Deputy is quite right, on 24 April I did receive a deputation from Waterford Corporation and discussed the outer ring road. I indicated to them that I thought the road to be a worthy project. I hope to be in a position to help out in that regard.
Good.
The cost of the work in question is £850,000 and the local authority have indicated that they are willing to put up £200,000. Is the Minister willing to provide the remaining £650,000 in 1991 and 1992?
The Deputy knows full well that the Minister does not yet know the total allocation of money he will have to deal with road projects in 1992. I should not suggest to him at this time that I could indicate what money will be given to any project.
The Minister did indicate on 7 May that the project would commence in 1991.
That was before the election.
I said to the deputation——
The Minister issued a statement on 5 May, subsequent to meeting the deputation.
I said that I would like to be in a position to give financial support to this project; I think it is a worthy one.
In other words, the Minister is welshing on his promise.
I shall tell the Deputy this much: if I had all the money required to carry out all the requests I receive by letter, by deputation, or by representation, it is fairly clear what would happen to the national finances.
The Minister should not promise things he cannot deliver.
I promise to help if I can.