asked the Minister for the Environment the present position with regard to the Blackrock by-pass; if he is aware of the serious traffic problems in this area, with the resulting inconvenience and loss of business to the locality; when this proposal will be completed; if he will ensure that the necessary financial aid is forthcoming so that there are no further delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

10.

asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware of the urgent need for the finalisation of plans, and the implementation thereof, for the Blackrock, County Dublin, by-pass; and if he will make a general policy statement on the matter.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 9 and 10 together.

I am aware of the need to provide a by-pass for Blackrock, County Dublin, and I have made road grants available to Dún Laoghaire Corporation to meet the preliminary costs associated with the scheme.

Certain properties necessary for the construction of the scheme are the subject of a compulsory purchase order which I have now confirmed. Dún Laoghaire Corporation as road authority will arrange for the execution of works which are expected to start next year.

I will make a road grant available to meet the approved costs.

Is the Minister aware that the Blackrock by-pass proposal has been up in the air, literally, for a long time? May I conclude from his response to my question that work will begin next year? Will the Minister tell the House when "next year" will be? Is the Minister in a position to say when work on the by-pass will be completed? I am sure the Minister is aware that it is one of the worst bottlenecks in the south county.

It is proposed to start the scheme in 1985 and complete it in 1987.

I accept that the scheme is to begin in 1985 but is the Minister in a position to give an approximate date? Will it commence in January, or December 1985? Perhaps it is due to commence on the last day of next year?

I am not putting a date on the commencement. The compulsory purchase order has just been confirmed. We have informed Dún Laoghaire Corporation of that. Work remains to be done before the scheme commences, but I should like to assure the Deputy that it will start in 1985 and be completed in 1987. I cannot give a specific month. The Deputies should be very happy with that assurance.

It appears that the prospects are that the people of south county Dublin may have a happy Christmas in 1985 or a happy new year in 1985. In other words, the Minister is suggesting the work may commence at the beginning of the year or at the end of the year.

I can assure the Deputy that people will have a happy Christmas in 1987.

I was glad to hear the Minister outline the proposals to my constituency colleague. What is the expected cost of the scheme?

It will cost roughly £3 million. A sum of £300,000 has already been notified in road grants, including £200,000 this year.

How much has been paid in compensation to those who have been deprived of their property in one way or another?

I do not have the breakdown.