Is there a possibility of amending the roads programme in the national development plan to include Slane bridge? The replacement of that disastrous bridge is not included in the plan despite the fact that 22 people have been killed there. If the NRA tells the Government it wants to bypass Slane with a new bridge, will money be made available? As we cannot put a price on life, would such a request be given favourable consideration, particularly as the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, Deputy Dempsey, is from that constituency.

Three major roads are to be built through the Meath constituency, the N2, N3 and N4, and this will affect a large number of farmers. If the land issue is not dealt with, the roads programme will not go ahead on time. People are being asked to accept one third of the money it would take to replace an acre of land. This is not acceptable and, as my leader said, unless it is dealt with these programmes will take four years longer than necessary to complete.

The Slane bridge issue is not within my remit, but I am sure the Deputy will pursue it with the Minister for the Environment and Local Government. We are all aware of the recent tragedy at the bridge, as well as those that have taken place over many years. I have discussed the difficulties regarding land prices with Deputy Howlin and at the infrastructural committee, and an effort is being made to resolve them. People must be realistic about prices.

Is it not reasonable for a person to want to buy an acre of land to replace the one taken from him or her to build a road?

That is reasonable.