asked the Minister for the Environment when it is intended to introduce traffic bye-laws for the town of Ardee, County Louth; and the reasons for the delay.

Traffic and parking bye-laws are made by the Garda Commissioner with the consent of the Minister for the Environment. Bye-laws in respect of the whole of County Louth have been submitted by the Commissioner and are currently before me. With a view to considering the giving of consent to these and similar bye-laws for a number of other counties, clarification has been sought from the Garda Commissioner on certain points arising, including some of the functions proposed for traffic wardens and the control of traffic by signs. When these necessary clarifications have been received. I would hope to deal with all of the bye-laws involved without delay.