asked the Minister for Local Government if he will make a statement on the work done in planning the proposed motorway from Dublin to Kilcock; and when work will commence.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin-Kilcock Motorway.
31.
Dublin and Meath County Councils have carried out an aerial survey to assist in establishing a line for a new road from Dublin to Kilcock. I hope to issue a circular to road authorities within the next few weeks outlining the provisions of the Local Government (Roads and Motorways) Act, 1974. Should the councils involved decide that the proposed new road should be of motorway standard, it will then be a matter in the first instance for them to consider the making and submission of motorway schemes under the provisions of sections 4 and 5 of the Act.
At this stage, therefore, it is not possible for me to indicate when work on the proposed new road might commence or the type of road to be provided.
Is the Minister saying it is the responsibility of local authorities whose areas the motorways may traverse to decide whether the motorway shall be constructed? I understood the Minister had responsibility for primary roads.
If local authorities propose to deal with the matter in one way it would be foolish if the Department tried to anticipate them and do it in another way. We must depend on the recommendations of the local authorities before a decision is taken.
Is it not true that if the decision is made to construct a motorway, the Minister's Department will pay 100 per cent of the cost?
It does not matter whether it is a motorway or a road of that type—the Department will pay 100 per cent of the cost.
Surely the Minister must have some say in deciding whether a motorway is to be constructed or some other road of a lesser standard, for instance, a dual carriageway?
I think the House will agree it would be foolish for the Department to start making up their minds on a matter of such importance without having the expert advice of the two local authorities concerned.
Surely the experts are in the Department?
They only make their decisions on the basis of the recommendations that come before them.
They are reluctant to give a direction.
Did I hear the Minister correctly? Did he say there were only two local authorities concerned, Dublin and Meath? Does he consider Kildare has no function whatever in the matter of roads throughout the county?
Of course they have. However, so far Dublin and Meath have been dealing with their portions. We are attempting to get some advice from the other people on what will happen.
Our role in Kildare has been something more than passive up to now.
Perhaps Deputy Power might advise Deputy Molloy on the type of question to put down.
Deputy Molloy referred to Kilcock and I assumed the Minister would answer for Kildare also.
The question was to ask the Minister if he would make a statement on the work done in planning the proposed motorway from Dublin to Kilcock.
I am calling Question No. 32.