Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 May 2000

Vol. 520 No. 1

Written Answers. - Roads Projects.

Donal Carey

Question:

258 Mr. D. Carey asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the serious disquiet which exists in Ennis, County Clare and the surrounding areas regarding a local pathway known as the Rocky Road (details supplied), which, it is claimed, will be closed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14945/00]

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

Clare County Council submitted an environmental impact statement and an associated compulsory purchase order for the proposed N18 road improvements – Dromoland to Crusheen, including the Ennis by-pass, on 26 April 2000. Interested parties may make written submissions to my Department in relation to the likely environmental effects of this proposed road development before 2 June, 2000. This is also the deadline for the receipt of objections to the compulsory purchase order.

As objections have been received, a public local inquiry into all matters relating to the scheme will be arranged in due course. When the public inquiry is completed, the person who conducted the inquiry will submit a report to me, which I must consider, together with the environmental impact statement, the associated compul sory purchase order and the submissions made before making a determination.

In view of my quasi-judicial role in the process, it would not be appropriate to comment at this stage on specific issues relating to this proposal.