asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether a request has been received from the Leitrim County Council for a Road Grant of £6,000 for the purpose of remaking and steam-rolling the road from Ballinamore to Dowra, near which a new coal mine has been opened, and if he will expedite a decision in the matter.

A request of the nature referred to by the Deputy was duly received, and in December last the County Council were informed that as the road in question was not a trunk road it was not practicable to recommend the Minister for Finance to authorise a grant. The matter was recently revived and an Inspector of the Department is at present in Leitrim with instructions to go into the case. On the receipt of his report the facts will be carefully considered again.

Is there any possibility of getting any grants for this road in the meantime?

No.

How does the Minister reconcile that with the statement he made yesterday?

The winter is approaching and a new coal pit has been opened there which will give employment to many people.