asked the Minister for Local Government if he will provide a special grant for the development of the national shrine at Knock, County Mayo with a view to the implementation of the Knock Development Plan.

There are no funds available to me from which a special grant for the implementation of the Knock development plan could be made. Mayo County Council have, however, been informed that the Road Fund will bear the full cost of providing the proposed by-pass of the town, as a national primary route is involved. I understand that this by-pass is a critical element of the plan.