Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Mar 1999

Vol. 502 No. 3

Written Answers. - Roads Projects.

Joe Higgins

Question:

415 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will confirm reports that, in response to complaints to the European Commission, further monitoring of the Curragh aquifer and a revision of the model presented at the public inquiry have resulted in the necessity to redesign the in-cut section of the Kildare bypass; the cost of this redesign; the delay involved as a result of this redesign; and if copies of all correspondence relating to this matter to and from the European Commission will be supplied to Deputy Joe Higgins. [7839/99]

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

The European Commission has addressed a query to the Irish Government following complaints to it about the possible impacts of drainage works associated with the Kildare bypass motorway scheme on Pollardstown Fen. The relevant Irish authorities have commissioned further investigation of certain environmental issues involved and a comprehensive response will be sent to the Commission shortly. A copy of this response will be forwarded to the Deputy when it becomes available, together with related correspondence.

Any consequential modification of the scheme would be a matter for Kildare County Council and the National Roads Authority to address in due course.