Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 17 Feb 1993

Vol. 426 No. 2

Written Answers. - Curlew (Sligo) By-Pass.

John Ellis

Question:

83 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment the position regarding the proposed Curlew by-pass in County Sligo; and if he will consider alternative routes which might cause less disruption of farming activity in the area.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. M. Smith)

Roscommon and Sligo County Councils have, over the years, examined the possibilities of upgrading or replacing the existing N4 route across the Curlew mountains. In all, more than a dozen possibilities were considered. Three routes which the councils considered most favourable on engineering and economic grounds were included for further study in an environmental impact statement (EIS).

In July 1992, Roscommon County Council submitted the environmental impact statement to my Department and applied for certification in accordance with Article 38 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations, 1990 as amended. In November, the county council were informed that a local public inquiry will be held into the environmental impact statement and that the inquiry will also deal with any compulsory purchase order which may be required in respect of the scheme. They have been asked to take the opportunity to review the environmental impact statement in the light of objections received and any new information on sub-soil conditions and, having regard to these matters, to make any adjustments which are considered necessary in drawing up any necessary compulsory purchase order.

In view of my quasi-judicial role in the determination of the application for certification and any necessary compulsory purchase order, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further about the scheme at this stage. My decision will be based on the report of the inquiry, the environmental impact statement and all submissions made to me within the specified period in relation to it, as well as any objections made to me within the specified period against confirmation of any compulsory purchase order.