asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if, in view of the contemplated extensive post-emergency reconstruction and improvement of roads, effective steps will be taken to solve the problem of providing a road surface safe for horse traffic, which will at the same time be suitable for motor and cycle traffic; and if he has considered the desirability of calling a conference of county surveyors to investigate the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Road Surfaces.
The new standards of road construction provide for the inclusion of margins which could be used by horse-drawn traffic where the carriageway is for any reason unsuitable for such traffic. A considerable time may, however, elapse before the new road plans are fully implemented. In the meantime, the question of adapting roads that have a waterproof surface for horse traffic is constantly under the consideration of both the county surveyors and the Department. Conferences are held with county surveyors from time to time in which all matters relating to road construction and maintenance are discussed.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary from time to time require examination of the existing trunk roads to be made? Is he aware of the appalling condition to which some of the trunk roads are being allowed to go at present, with consequent repercussions on the cost of his future programme? I refer particularly to the Dublin-Ballina trunk road.
I am not aware that what the Deputy says is true—that all the trunk roads are in an appalling condition. Grants are made for the repair of trunk roads.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary cause an independent examination to be made to see that the money voted is expended in accordance with the purpose for which it is voted?
Inspectors of the Department make constant surveys of the trunk roads.