asked the Minister for the Environment the reason he refused to receive a deputation from Roscommon County Council to discuss their request for a further allocation of money for road works in the county and if he will reconsider his decision and receive such a deputation.

I received two requests this year from Roscommon County Council to meet a deputation concerning the provision of funds for road works in the county. The first request was received on 30 January 1980 and related to a special allocation of grants for the up-grading of roads in the Clonown area. This request was refused on the ground that I could not give any commitment at that stage to the level of road grant for 1980. The letter pointed out, however, that I am fully aware of the needs of the road network in Roscommon but have, of course, in the allocation of grants to take account of the requirements of the whole road system of the country.

The second request dated 26 February 1980 related to the operation of the council's services generally, including road. A full explanation of my position on the points raised by the council was sent to them on 7 March 1980. I told the council that while I would be glad to meet them if an opportune time became available, I consider, having regard to the detailed explanations given in the reply, that such a meeting could serve no useful purpose.

I am satisfied that there has been no change in the circumstances which would render a meeting with the council worthwhile. I might add that the total of £1,376,000 allocated to Roscommon County Council in road grants for 1980 compares with a total of £426,000 in 1976.

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