asked the Minister for the Environment if approval will be given to Dublin County Council to provide lighting and fencing on the Blessington road where it fronts to the Killinarden, Kiltalown and Jobstown Estates, Tallaght, County Dublin, having regard to the fact that this is a national secondary route, now running through densely populated estates and that persistent accidents are taking place at this stretch of road contributed to, to a large extent, by the absence of any fencing or public lighting; and if he will make a statement in the matter.

I am advised that a scheme to improve this stretch of road, including the provision of fencing and public lighting, is being prepared by Dublin County Council. The question of approving the council's proposals will be considered following their submission to my Department.

Will the Minister assure the House that the scheme when presented will be dealt with as a matter of the utmost urgency by his Department having regard to the fact that there has been an excessive number of quite serious accidents on this stretch of road? Is the Minister aware that this former rural road is bounded on each side by densely populated new housing estates?

I can assure the Deputy that the need to improve this section of road is accepted in the Department. The cost of implementing any improvement scheme will be met in full by grants. I can give the Deputy my assurance that there will be no delay when the scheme is submitted to my Department.

Is the Minister aware that the lighting on this stretch of road is very poor? Bearing in mind the number of accidents that have occurred on the road over the years will the Minister consult the county council with a view to improving that lighting as a temporary measure?

As I said in reply to other questions, this is the function of the local authority. I will be happier to have the proposals of the county council before me when we can get on with completing the job properly.