asked the Minister for the Environment if he will make a special allocation for bog roads available to Donegal County Council in 1982.

363.

asked the Minister for the Environment if any moneys will be made available in the 1982 Road Fund to local authorities for the repair and development of bog roads.

I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 362 and 363 together.

I take it that in referring to "bog roads" the Deputies are referring to non-public or accommodation roads serving bogs. Subject to the provisions of the Local Government (Roads and Drainage) Act, 1968, and to general guidelines laid down by my Department, it is open to county councils to construct or improve such roads with the aid of whatever funds may be allocated to them under the local improvements scheme.

Under the Turf Development Act, 1981, a scheme of grant assistance is being administered by Bord na Móna on behalf of the Minister for Energy under which financial assistance may be provided, inter alia, towards the cost of access roads to privately owned bogs.