asked the Minister for Local Government if, in view of the notoriously winding Cork-Mallow road and of public statements by IDA officers that the existing road is seriously inhibiting the attraction of industries to Mallow town and district, he proposes to make special funds available from his Department to assist Cork County Council's efforts to improve the road.

I understand that Cork County Council are engaged in planning the major improvement of this route but no specific proposals have been put to me. If and when they are, they will be considered, having regard to all relevant factors, including the availability of funds and the need for the improvement of other routes.