Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 22 Oct 1997

Vol. 482 No. 1

Written Answers. - Roads Funding.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

106 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when the M50 and N32 national roads will be completed to Baldoyle Industrial Estate, Dublin 13; if he will grant increased funding to Dublin Corporation and Fingal County Council to upgrade the narrow and often badly potholed roads serving and linking into the new national roads. [17468/97]

Minster for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey)

The planning and construction of projects affecting the national road network is a matter for the National Roads Authority, in co-operation with the road authority concerned. The Minister for the Environment and Local Government has no involvement in this process.

I understand however that the proposed link between the improved national road network and Baldoyle Industrial Estate is intended as a non-national road and will comprise two sections. One part has been built by a private developer and requires further work before it can be taken in charge by Dublin Corporation; the further work involved is currently the subject of negotiation between the corporation and the developer.

The second part is the Grange Road project for which Dublin Corporation have been allocated grants of varying amounts since 1994. Because of difficulties in land acquisition, progress so far has been limited. I understand, however, that the corporation intend to advance the project in 1998 and have recently applied to my Department for £1.5 million funding in 1998 under the EU cofinanced grants scheme. This application is being considered and my Department will convey a decision to the corporation as soon as possible.

Non-national road grants to the Dublin local auhtorities reflect needs of the kind referred to in the question. Dublin Corporation and Fingal County Council were allocated grants of £3,912,000 and £2,422,000, respectively, in 1997.