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MINISTER BLAMES NATIONAL ROADS AUTHORITY FOR SCHEME'S DELAY By Tom Kelly The long-awaited sanctioning of the £30m Knock /Claremorris bypass has encountered a hitch. The National Roads Authority (NRA) is responsible for the hold-up in the project. Environment Minister Mr. Noel Dempsey confirmed the matter was out of the hands of his Department. He stated all the relevant documentation in relation to the matter had been lodged with the NRA and the delay rested at their doorstep. In an interview with the Connaught Telegraph, Mr. Dempsey said he appreciated the urgency of the roadway to the future development of the South Mayo area. But he could not get involved directly in the situation because he would leave himself open to accusations of political interference. He said: "The issue is out of the hands of the politicians. My Department has gone as far as it can go in progressing the project. "It is the NRA which will make the final decision when the scheme will receive full sanctioning. I wish I could be more positive with my answer, but that is the situation as it stands. "Strong representations about the by-pass have been made to me by members of Mayo County Council and I will certainly relay those views to the NRA about securing an early start to the scheme. "But that is as far as I can go. The final decision rests with the NRA and not with me." Mr. Mick Foster, the NRA's public relations officer, said the Knock/Claremorris bypass was one of many schemes before them. "We have not made a decision yet in regard to what schemes will be sanctioned for 1998. The Knock/Claremorris project is one we will be looking at very seriously. But I cannot say anymore than that." Mayo Dail Deputy Beverley Cooper Flynn said she had been campaigning behind the scenes for early approval to allow construction work commence on the Knock/Claremorris bypass in 1998. But it was unclear what kind of priority rating the project had with the NRA. Mr. Pat McHugh, a member of Mayo County Council, said the volume of traffic in the Knock and Claremorris areas had grown substantially over the last number of years and the existing roads could no longer cope. He added it was vital that some indication be given when the scheme was likely to start. Mr. Des Mahon, Mayo county manager, said it was anticipated that a substantial grant will be available in 1998 to start construction on the Knock/Claremorris bypass.
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