Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 28 Jan 1997

Vol. 473 No. 6

Written Answers. - Roads Funding.

Brendan Smith

Question:

157 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the urgent need to develop an east/west national primary route from Dundalk, County Louth through County Monaghan, Cootehill, County Cavan and Cavan Town to Sligo in view of the need to provide adequate links between the region's major towns as the current inadequate connections are hindering the economic development of the region; the proposals, if any, he has in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2123/97]

Rory O'Hanlon

Question:

161 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for the Environment if he will upgrade the road from Dundalk to Cavan town in view of the number of economic studies on the Border region which have commented on the inadequate road infrastructure in Border counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2218/97]

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Howlin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 157 and 161 together.

There are no current proposals before my Department for reclassification of the routes in question. A lengthy and comprehensive review of the national road system was brought to a conclusion in July 1994 with the marking of the Roads Act, 1993 (Declaration of National Roads) Order, 1994. I do not propose to make any major changes in the national road network in the near future. Traffic patterns will, however, continue to be monitored in order to identify any long-term changes which might have implications for the classified system.