Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for selecting this issue and I am delighted that the Minister is here to debate it. I know he is extremely aware of this road and its fabled history, not just from his nine years representing this constituency with distinction, but crossing it many times. I remember following him across this road some time ago when he was previously in government and attending the launch of a particularly impressive Coillte exhibition in the Dublin Mountains over which he presided. I am delighted to say that my family and I will be visiting that site this weekend. Thankfully, it is within the Dublin boundary.

As the Minister is aware, this road is not fit for purpose in the modern era. During the summer, a very serious two-car collision occurred on the road. This gave rise to concerns for many people and highlighted the need to progress with the plan to redesign the road. That plan is 25 or 30 years old at this stage. It predates the establishment of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and was originally drawn up by Dublin County Council. The road in most parts does not even have a footpath. In 2007, planning for the road was agreed but the project was put on hold due to the financial crisis. Thankfully, just when I left the local authority and entered the Seanad some years ago, a new planning application was submitted and accepted for a far more contemporary project in line with all the best regional planning guidelines, including, most importantly, the provision not just of properly proportioned and designed footpaths but also cycle lanes. I know the Minister would look forward many times to cycling up around the Dublin Mountains.

A new layout has already been completed at the junction of Harold's Grange Road and Blackglen Road. However, Blackglen Road still needs to be finished. The compulsory purchase orders have just been completed and the tenders have gone out to secure the construction of this road. I spoke to the engineer in the local authority today and was told that, all things going well, it would be able to begin the works in February. To reach that stage, we need to hear a commitment from the Minister that his Department will contribute to the funding. Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has reserved considerable funding for this project, but it will never get the go-ahead if it does not also get central government funding.

It is vital because as soon as this welcome project is completed, the other two spurs of this three-road junction will need to be completed. I refer to the Harold's Grange Road spur alongside Marley Park and, most importantly, the Hillcrest Road spur through Lambs Cross and going down to the M50 where every day we see articulated lorries going to the major shopping centres, Sandyford Business Park or the very famous livery yard on the Enniskerry Road. They do so through a road junction where barely two cars can go across and in respect of which residents have had to campaign, sign petitions and have sleep-outs. I appeal to the Minister to give that guarantee, not just to the local authority and the local representatives but, crucially, to the rapidly growing population of the greater Blackglen Road area.

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