Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I apologise. Mr. Warner's report appears to be generally positive about the stretch from Oughterard to Maam Cross and I am little concerned that nothing has happened. The project is going nowhere. I do not know whether money has been set aside for it or where matters stand. This is the second time the National Parks and Wildlife Service, NPWS, has come to my attention in recent days. Is there a logjam of some sort in the NPWS in Galway? Is there a lack of qualification or understanding as to what is required? Unless I am mistaken, Mr. Warner's report dates back six years to 2010 and the project has not moved forward. The next stretch of road includes Kylemore Abbey and approaches the high-tourism area of Clifden and towards Rosleague and Leenane. All these areas are within the proximity of the next section and planning has been refused for that. What is Mr. Welby's position in this regard? The population is declining in those areas, road traffic accidents are increasing and the issue of heart attack or stroke was mentioned. I am aware that when I get on to the Clifden road at Oughterard, the only chance I have of getting past any vehicle between Oughterard and Clifden is on a small stretch at Maam Cross, after which I will be back on bad roads again. Is it the fault of the National Parks and Wildlife Service that the delegation from Connemara find themselves in this position?