13 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment the progress, if any, which is being made towards the provision of a new road from Naas to Kilcullen, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The existing road from Naas to Kilcullen forms part of the National Primary Route N9. Following completion of the Kilcullen by-pass, which is scheduled for 1994, through traffic on the N9 will be routed via the Naas by-pass, Newbridge by-pass and Kilcullen by-pass with the result that the existing road will serve local traffic only. My Department have not received any proposals from Kildare County Council for the provision of a new road from Naas to Kilcullen.

Is the Minister not being a little disingenuous in that the subject of the question clearly relates to the Kilcullen link on the by-pass? Has the Minister received a proposal for the by-pass from Kildare County Council; does that proposal include a one-way exit ramp to the northern side of Kilcullen from that road and, if so, will he sanction it?

As I already indicated, I have received no proposal from Kildare County Council.

I understood the Minister to say that he received no proposal from Kildare County Council about the upgrading of the existing road. What I am asking is whether he has received a final proposal from Kildare County Council about the shape, location, cost and characteristics of the Kilcullen by-pass.

Local interests, notably the Kilcullen Community Development Association, have been pressing for an additional exit to be provided from the Kilcullen by-pass to the north of the town. This link was not included in the motorway scheme submitted by Kildare County Council. However, the question of such a link was raised at a public inquiry into the motorway scheme in 1988.

I put it to the Minister that his failure to respond to the needs of the people of Kilcullen is a grave threat to local democracy. Will the Minister facilitate these people who will be seriously disadvantaged by the road scheme?

There is no proposal in regard to which I need respond.