asked the Minister for Local Government when he will be in a position to announce plans for speed limits in small towns and villages in County Cork.

51.

asked the Minister for Local Government if he is now in a position to sanction speed limits for the towns in that part of County Cork which was excluded from the original order.

I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 50 and 51 together.

As part of the current general review of speed limits, all public roads in County Cork will be inspected next month. Amending regulations, based on this inspection and on consideration of all representations received in the matter, will then be made without avoidable delay. I hope that these regulations will be introduced within the next four months.

The Minister does not seem to be aware of the true position. Is he aware that Cork County Council have made repeated requests over the past three years to have this matter attended to? The Minister has just told us that inspection will take place soon and regulations may be introduced in four or five months time. That is an extraordinary statement in view of the fact that half of North Cork was excluded from the original order and the towns in the area are not all small towns.

I told the Deputy inspection will take place next month and the new regulations will be introduced within the next four months. This could not be done any quicker.

How is it inspection could not be carried out for over three years?

They were too busy building houses.

I am not talking about three years. I am saying inspection will take place next month. The Deputy could have asked a question three years ago.

A question was asked and we had promises from the former Minister.

Anyway, it is being done next week.