Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 6 Oct 1993

Vol. 434 No. 2

Written Answers. - Celbridge (Kildare) By-Pass.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

238 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the request from local community representatives in Celbridge, County Kildare for the provision of access/egress to the N4 by-pass at a point 500 yards from the outskirts of the town, if he has studied such proposals or sought clarification from Kildare County Council; if he will consider the requests of the local groups; his views on an amendment to the motorway plan along such lines; if he will make funds available for such works; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. M. Smith)

The question of providing a further interchange on the Kilcock/Maynooth/Leixlip motorway to facilitate direct access from Celbridge would only arise for consideration by me in the event of a further motorway scheme being prepared by Kildare County Council for that purpose. Because of my quasi-judicial function in relation to motorway schemes, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the details or likely outcome of a scheme that might come before me for determination.

Having regard to the evidence presented at the public inquiry into the existing scheme, particularly in relation to the need for and location of interchanges, a decision about the provision of road grants to meet the cost of preparation of a further scheme would not be appropriate until any such scheme has been determined.