asked the Minister for Local Government why for the past few months there has been a virtual cessation of work on the dual carriageway at Rathcoole, County Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Dual Carriageways.
36.
I would remind the Deputy that Dublin County Council are the authority responsible for the improvement of this road and for the phasing of the work thereon.
I am advised by the county council to the following effect: — The reconstruction of the Dublin/Naas Road had to be rephased in recent months due to the institution of an action for an injunction to restrain the county council from proceeding with the construction of a dual-carriageway highway at a premises near Blackchurch. This necessitated a revision of the work programme, and during the period in question emphasis has been placed on earth works and drainage rather than actual road-laying which might account for the impression that the scheme was being delayed. Having regard to weather conditions, the progress made has been satisfactory.
37.
asked the Minister for Local Government when it is planned to complete the dual carriageways at Long Mile Road, Walkinstown and the Swords road at Collinstown, County Dublin.
The execution of improvements on the roads mentioned by the Deputy is a matter for the road authorities concerned, namely, Dublin Corporation and Dublin County Council.
As to the Long Mile Road, I am advised by the corporation that it is anticipated that this scheme will be completed by the 17th instant.
As to the improvement works at present being carried out on the Swords road in the vicinity of Collinstown, I am advised by the county council that it is hoped that the stretch of this road at present under construction between Nevinstown and Cloghran national school will be fully open to traffic by July next. I should mention, however, that this particular scheme does not involve the provision of a dual carriageway.
Am I to take it that when the Minister says this scheme at Collinstown does not involve the provision of a dual carriageway it is to be no more than an ordinary conventional road and is this part of the major road development scheme in the north county?
It is.
It is part of what will be the major north road?
It is. There are plans for the improvement of this section to provide a high standard Class 2 road which is not a dual carriageway.
Would the Minister not consider that this is very shortsighted? I am sure he is well aware that there have been very serious accidents on this road and that there was one very tragic incident last week, not far from the site of these improvements. Does he not consider that the volume of traffic, which manifestly is going to multiply as the years go on, demands the construction of a dual carriageway and will he take steps to see that we will not be put in the position of having, within a year or two, to undo the work now being done, with a consequent waste of time and effort?
Is it not the opinion of the engineers both in the Department and in the county council that a dual carriageway would also be inadequate and that the only solution is a motorway?
That is what I was going to say, that there is a possibility that a motorway may be provided eventually. In the meantime, it is necessary to improve the existing road, as is being done, to deal with the volume of traffic at present using it.
Is there not provision already for a motorway at the entry to the road at the church?
What church?
Larkhill Church?
I will deal with that on the next question.