Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)

Section 1 states:

...a notice to treat is not served within the period of 18 months (in this subsection referred to as the 'first period'), the first period shall be extended for a further period (in this subsection referred to as the 'second period') beginning on the day immediately after the day on which the first period expires and expiring on the earlier of the following:

(I) 30 days after the day on which the legal proceedings are concluded; or

(II) 18 months after the day on which the first period expires.

I would like clarification in that regard. The impression might be given that Deputies on this side of the House are not in favour of this Bill. We are in favour of it and we are in favour of the city outer bypass road. It is easy for Deputy Fahey to say he is not critical of the objectors. I am not entering into the question of objectors. It suits the Government not to be critical of the objectors. The longer the objectors hold up a road, there will be no necessity to provide money for it. That is a real danger I see in this process.

The Minister, Deputy Dempsey, seems to believe I am not committed to the people of Galway. I am a long-time representative of both Galway city and county, in the city council, the council and in the Dáil, and I am committed to the outer bypass road and the people of Connemara that it will serve. The M6 has been completed to Galway but there is a constant traffic jam approaching it with nowhere for vehicles to go. I will not take it from the Minister or from anyone who says I am less committed to Galway than anybody else who spoke here tonight. Of course I am committed, and I would like clarification on section 1. What will happen at the end of the 18 month period? The Minister claims I am pessimistic. I believe always in telling the people what they should hear, not what they want to hear. I do not believe in deceiving people. There is no use pretending we are now getting 18 months grace for the CPOs and the land purchase since there is no possibility of this happening within 12 months.

What will happen when the 12 month period has expired and there is no notice to treat or moneys provided for the purchase of the necessary property or for the overall project? Half the project is estimated to cost €145 million. I presume the entire project would cost twice as much and it would be more difficult terrain west of the N59 Moycullen road than east of it. There will be many questions to be answered at the end of 18 months. We should give the people the true picture and stop fooling them.

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