asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to a proposal to extend the Southern Cross motorway to link Merrion Strand with Fosters Avenue; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that the motorway would pass through Castle Court housing estate, Booterstown Avenue, County Dublin; that it would intrude on the Booterstown Marshes; the action he intends to ensure that all interests will be consulted in advance of the project; and if he will make an order to ensure that the marshes will be protected in all the circumstances.
Written Answers. - Southern Cross Motorway.
208.
I am aware that the local authority concerned, Dún Laoghaire Corporation, are considering a road reservation on the lands in question. On 25 November 1988 my Department informed the local authority that, without prejudice to any statutory procedures that may arise, it was convinced of the desirability of retaining a reservation through St. Helen's lands so as to facilitate a road link from Stillorgan Road to the proposed Merrion Gates by-pass in the medium to long-term.
Before any such road link is undertaken there will be full public consultation. In this connection, I announced last June that an environmental impact assessment will be undertaken in respect of any proposed road through St. Helen's lands. The Department will generally be supportive of any proposal which may entail additional expenditure designed to minimise the environmental impact of the proposal. As regards the preservation of Booterstown Marshes, I would refer the Deputy to the reply by the Minister for Finance to Question No. 101 of 2 November 1988.