asked the Minister for the Environment the reason the Government have refused to ratify recent proposals from Dublin County Council in regard to the construction of the Southern Cross Route in Dublin; and when he will make a final decision on the matter.

The Policy and Planning Framework for Roads published by me on 29 January envisages that this scheme will start in 1987. This is, of course, subject to the outcome of the anticipated public inquiry. With a view to facilitating progress, certain matters were the subject of correspondence between my Department and Dublin County Council, again without prejudice to the outcome of a public inquiry, and it is hoped to conclude this as soon as possible.

Will the Minister confirm that the Government are fully committed to the provision of the Southern Cross Route and that they recognise the urgency of the construction work commencing on the route as rapidly as possible in view of the massive increase of through traffic in residential areas throughout the entire area of south Dublin?

I can assure the Deputy that in the document dealing with policy and planning framework for roads which was published last Monday this is one of the priority areas. I can assure the Deputy it will have my full co-operation in getting the plan expedited.

Can the Minister confirm that his Department will do everything to facilitiate the establishment as rapidly as possible of an inquiry pursuant to the Act dealing with motorways? Is he aware that there is considerable concern throughout the south Dublin area, stretching from Firhouse, Rathfarnham, Ballinteer, Dundrum and Stillorgan, that matters be processed rapidly in relation to the route?

The Deputy may be assured that my approach to the roads programme is one of urgency and that is the position of the Government as a whole. He can be assured that my Department will not cause any delay in this area.