asked the Minister for the Environment when it is proposed to allocate funds for the continuation of the by-pass at Naas, County Kildare, which will ultimately serve Newbridge, Kildare and Kilcullen; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I have already provided full cost grants for the design of the next section of the new motorway involving the Newbridge By-Pass. The further planning of this scheme and the design of the new road to connect to the National Primary Route south of Kilcullen and the Kildare By-Pass, are primarily the responsibility of Kildare County Council. I understand that investigations to locate the routes for the two latter schemes have yet to be finalised. However, the detailed design of the Newbridge By-Pass is well advanced.

The question of allocating funds for these by-passes is being considered in the context of the overall review of the Road Development Plan for the 1980's which is at present being carried out by my Department.

19.

asked the Minister for the Environment the position in regard to the possibility of providing a by-pass on the N4 national primary route between Kilcock and Leixlip in County Kildare.

I have already provided moneys to Kildare County Council for investigations, now substantially complete, in connection with the detailed design of the Leixlip-Kilcock By-Pass. The continued advancement of planning on the scheme is primarily a matter for the council.

I should like to ask the Minister if the Department have agreed with Kildare County Council the line the by-pass will take? Having regard to the urgent need to provide an adequate road system for traffic will the Minister allocate funds for the work as a matter of priority?

The examination of the proposed line of the by-pass, including aerial surveys and on site investigations, are now substantially complete. The cost of the examination and preliminary design is being met in full by road grants. The completion of the detailed design and the acquisition of necessary lands are a matter for Kildare County Council. I should like to assure the Deputy that in view of the traffic situation which he has referred to it will be given priority.

Is it not poor planning that a workforce with expertise after having completed the Naas by-pass should be disbanded because alternative employment of a similar nature which is urgently needed is not ready?

I would like to be in a position to have those workers retained, but the planning is not up to date. I cannot accept responsibility for the situation we are in at present.