asked the Minister for the Environment the arrangements his Department have to improve route lighting on the road network with a view to bringing the lighting up to international standards.

Full cost grants are available from the Department for the provision or improvement of public lighting on main traffic routes in built-up areas, irrespective of whether the installation is being carried out as a separate scheme or as part of a general road improvement scheme. The cost of providing or improving public lighting on other routes falls to be met from the local authorities' own resources (including the rate support grant) supplemented by the block road grant.

The formulation of a traffic route lighting scheme is a matter, in the first instance, for the road authority. Such schemes are vetted in the Department to ensure that they comply with appropriate standards.

Did the Minister say that his Department are not granting any finance towards traffic route lighting?

No, the very opposite is the case.

From what the Minister said it seemed that local authorities were to provide traffic lighting from their own resources.

The full cost of schemes for the provision of improved public lighting installations on main traffic routes in built up areas may be charged against the appropriate grant, irrespective of whether the installation is being carried out as a separate scheme or as part of a general road improvements scheme. Preparation of such schemes is a matter primarily for local authorities.

Question No. 30 withdrawn.

Question No. 31 postponed.