asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that the road leading from Swinford, via Kiltimagh and Balla on which buses and other heavy vehicles must travel, is very narrow, with many dangerous bends; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy this situation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mayo Roads.
60.
The formulation of proposals to absorb the annual main road improvement grant available to the Mayo County Council is a matter for the local authority. No proposals regarding this road have been submitted to me.
Does the Minister not appreciate that along this road due to the fact that the railway line has been upset, a greater number of buses are now travelling? It happens at times that the buses have to pull in to let heavy cattle trucks pass. Would the Minister take up the matter with the Mayo County Council?
The Deputy will appreciate that the initiative in this matter must come to me from the local authority. The Deputy is a member of this local authority. He is in a stronger position than I am to press this matter.
Is it not a matter of money? If we can get enough money from the Minister, can we not go ahead?
There are no proposals regarding the road which the Deputy has mentioned before my Department. It is up to the local authority to decide how to expend the moneys available to them on road improvement and road maintenance.
Can I take it that the Minister is sympathetic to making more money available to us?
The Minister is sympathetic to anything that applies to Mayo.
61.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that many of the approach roads to Knock Shrine, County Mayo, are too narrow and are dangerous for buses and other motor traffic, particularly in the peak pilgrimage term; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy this situation.
The improvement of the roads in the Knock area is primarily a matter for Mayo County Council. The only proposal before my Department at present is one for the improvement of the Ballyhaunis Road junction at Knock.
Only one of the roads is classified as a national primary road, namely, Claremorris to Kilkelly. The improvement of that road depends on the funds which can be provided for national primary roads in Mayo and on the priority to be given to the road in relation to other national primary roads. There are no current proposals for the improvement of that road.
I understand that the county council have appointed consultants to advise on the planning of the Knock area including the road network.
May I thank the Minister for reminding me—I meant to remind him—that the people of that area would expect a good deal from the Minister for Local Government with his strong Mayo connections? That being so and having regard to the fact that his forebears came from that area, may I put it to him now that he should give this area special consideration? Knock is a national shrine and the Minister can visualise the situation on a day when pilgrims come in buses from all areas. Would the Minister consider that this area should get a special grant to try to improve the position which is deplorable? I should like to hear the Minister's remarks on this.
The particular section of the road to be improved is a matter for the local authority. I would be very anxious to see Mayo losing one of its greatest claims to fame—which is that it has the worst roads in Ireland. If there is anything I can do to bring about improvements I shall be glad to do so.
They must be very expensive roads in Mayo. Much money has been poured into making roads there over the years.
The making of roads is particularly expensive there. We are trying to find ways and means of lessening the cost of making roads in Mayo.
I would expect Deputy O'Donovan to have goodwill towards this area. There are poor foundations for the roads. The Minister has pointed out that the problem is a big one. We need more money to deal with it.