asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware of the deplorable state of many roads in Drogheda town, County Louth; if so, the extra money he intends to allocate to Drogheda Corporation in 1983; if he is aware that, as Drogheda is a port town with several heavy industries, damage to the roads there is abnormal by national standards and requires a special annual road allocation of funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I am aware of the needs of the roads in Drogheda and I assure the Deputy that I will bear them in mind in my consideration of the road grant allocations for 1983.

Will the Minister agree, having travelled himself on the Rathmullen and Dunore roads, that they are in a very bad state? Will he consider a special allocation in relation to these roads when he is considering the matter?

Yes, I can agree with the Deputy that, having travelled these roads, they are in a very poor condition. I will be looking at them in the consideration of the grants which will be made known shortly.