Apart from our winter weather, and in order that our roads might not break down off the main routes due to unduly heavy traffic, has the Minister any plans to limit the types and weights of vehicles that may be allowed to use particular roads?

That is a separate question. This question refers to damage to roads due to weather conditions during the winter months.

I am coming to that. This is an acute situation. Have any steps been taken to conserve our roads?

The Council of Transport Ministers are trying to reach agreement on agreed weights for all countries but they have failed to do so yet. Our axle weights are not as great as in some member countries. With regard to preventing them from using certain roads, the local authority in conjunction with the commissioner would be involved here. I have no immediate plans in my Department to do this but I will look at it because I can see the difficulties involved.