asked the Minister for Lands if he has considered opening the road from Mabbitstown Cross to Cross at Castlemorris Demesne, Kilkenny, by removing the two gates across the road and making it a public thoroughfare.

The Land Commission have under consideration a proposal that has for its object the conversion of this road into a public thoroughfare.

Can the Minister give the House any indication as to when this road will become a public road? The people were promised the road would be opened as a public road 20 years ago.

It is a matter for the county council to make the road a public road.

The county council, as the Minister must be aware, cannot take over the road while there is a gate on it.

Yes. There is the question of the removal of gates, and also the question of some repairs in order to comply with certain conditions, before the county council can take over.