asked the Minister for the Environment if he is satisfied with the standard of road construction being carried out by Westmeath County Council on the Athlone-Moate national primary route; if he is concerned that it has taken over two years to realign less than one mile of this road; and if he finds it acceptable that for a period of two years used tar barrels have been located along the centre of the realigned road.
Written Answers. - Westmeath Road Construction.
370.
My Department have approved the design standard to which this road is being constructed. The rate of progress of works over 1½ miles is not unreasonable considering the limitation of resources during the present recession and the fact that the works are being carried out under difficult traffic conditions on this busy Dublin-Galway route. The use of tar barrels during construction is essential for safety purposes. I am providing a further road grant to Westmeath County Council which should enable them to complete the works this year.