asked the Minister for Local Government the proposals he has on hands to eliminate the dreadful traffic congestion at Hart's Corner, Glasnevin, Dublin; and when the position is likely to be remedied.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Traffic Congestion.
11.
I have allocated a Road Fund grant of £100,000 to Dublin Corporation to meet expenditure in 1977 on a major road improvements scheme at this location. On 11th February, 1977, I confirmed, with modifications, the compulsory purchase order relating to property required for the scheme. It is now a matter for Dublin Corporation to complete the necessary arrangements, including the acquisition of property, which will clear the way for the commencement of work.
Would the Minister indicate to Dublin Corporation his personal concern in regard to the unsatisfactory state of this roadway?
Dublin Corporation are, I think, aware of my concern. In fact I believe their members have been pressing to have something done but the procedure is very slow and tortuous and the result is that, although the matter has been under consideration for a considerable period, it was not until the end of August, 1975, I was asked for a compulsory purchase order and it was February, 1976, before the local inquiry was held. The long drawn out negotiations finished only recently and it was only quite recently it was possible to complete the order and have it signed. I think Dublin Corporation have been doing everything they can and I am sure the Deputy will keep pushing them.
The Minister will accept that it was not necessary for anybody to carry out a survey or anything of that nature to know the need there was for a new roadway in the area. Does the Minister appreciate that, because of the appalling congestion, there is a situation now where articulated lorries and motor vehicles are moving proximate to built-up areas, areas which were not intended at all to cater for such heavy traffic?
I am aware of that and so are Dublin Corporation. It was necessary to submit a proposal and it was also necessary to arrange for a compulsory purchase order, which necessitated an inquiry and the demolition of certain houses. This is the reason why the matter had to be handled very carefully and possibly more slowly than either the Department or I would like. It had to be done in the correct way and, while we all knew from observation what was happening and that the road needed to be repaired, it was still necessary to have a public inquiry and go through all the necessary procedure before we could reach the stage we have now reached. I hope it will not take much longer.
Will the Minister give an indication of when the work may start?
I am informed that Dublin Corporation have still to acquire certain property. I imagine this will be done fairly quickly and there will be no further reason for delay.
Is the Minister assuring the House that from now on it is a matter for Dublin Corporation?
Yes. I have given them £100,000 and have given agreement to the compulsory purchase order. It is entirely over to them.