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.