asked the Minister for the Environment if he will arrange to have a public inquiry conducted by an inspector from his Department in order to hear the objections of landowners and others in connection with the proposed new road to by-pass Portlaoise, County Laois, which is at present under consideration between his Department and Laois County Council; if such inquiry will be held as soon as possible so that farmers may know what to do with their lands; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The design of this road project has not yet been completed and the extent of the land to be acquired cannot be indicated at this stage. If Laois County Council are unable to acquire by agreement whatever land is required, they may proceed by way of compulsory purchase order. If they adopt that course, a local public inquiry could be a part of the procedures if there are objections to the council's order.