asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that the closing of certain railways in County Meath has resulted in heavy traffic on certain roads which are fast deteriorating; and if in view of the fact that other counties in which railways have been closed were provided with special grants it is his intention to have equal treatment given to Meath.

The grants in question are intended to deal with road problems of an exceptional character created by recent closing of railway lines. I cannot accept that conditions in County Meath are such as to warrant the allocation of special grants of this category.