asked the Minister for the Environment if he will examine the desirability of extending the Carrickmacross urban area, County Monaghan, as the town has now expanded extensively into the county ares.

Under the Local Authorities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1936, the initiation of action for the extension of the boundary of an urban district is a matter for the urban district council, who may apply to the relevant county council for an appropriate order. I understand that no such application has been made to Monaghan County Council by Carrickmacross Urban District Council.