Vol. 454 No. 6
132 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the views expressed by leading participants in the recent Newry/Dundalk Investment Conference regarding the delay in the commencement of the motorway between Newry and Dundalk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11402/95]
When I met my Northern Ireland counterpart. Mr. Malcolm Moss, MP, at the Anglo Irish Intergovernmental Conference on 14 February last to discuss cross-Border roads issues, we took particular account of the special importance of the Dublin-Belfast route and agreed a two-stage approach to its improvement: in the short term, measures to improve the traffic capacity and safety of the existing Newry-Dundalk route will be considered; a joint study will be carried out to identify longer-term options for the upgrading of the Newry-Dundalk section, taking account of environmental factors, planned improvements elsewhere on the route and the spending priorities of two Governments.
Officials met in April to discuss arrangements for this study. There are plans for a further meeting at official level later this month at which I expect terms of reference to be agreed, subject to the approval of both Ministers.
I understand that work on both the Balbriggan and Dunleer-Dundalk bypasses is expected to start this year.
