I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 19 and 20 together.
I assume the Deputies' questions relate to the proposals of Dublin County Council, for a new road between the Naas Road at Red Cow and Harolds Grange, which I approved in principle on 3 October, 1978. The timing and execution of road works in that location, including the acquisition of any necessary land, are primarily matters for Dublin County Council. In the current year I have allocated road grants totalling £1.135 millions to meet the construction and land acquisition costs of a section of the route in question which has been planned by the council. The provision of finance for construction and land acquisition costs of further sections of the route will, in the normal course, be considered when acceptable proposals are received from the council. The project for the construction of the new road is the subject of continuing consultation between officers of my Department and of the county council.
In these circumstances, the powers and direction available to me under the Local Government (Roads and Motorways) Act, 1974 do not arise.