asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of the deplorable conditions of Carrickcarnan customs frontier post and the traffic hazards posed by the parking of lorries and the general run-down condition of the post; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that they have been pressing for improvement of facilities at Carrickcarnan for some time, the original intention being to combine the activities at present carried on at Dundalk Road station with those at Carrickcarnan. To this end the Office of Public Works acquired land at Carrickcarnan with a view to developing full export and import facilities at the site, including examination sheds and parking space. However, a consultancy study has now recommended that a proposed Dublin-Belfast motorway should by-pass Carrickcarnan about two miles to the west and consequently, plans for Carrickcarnan have had to be reconsidered.

Pending a final decision about the motorway, improvements to the existing facilities at Carrickcarnan are being carried out. A new parking area for trucks is now nearing completion and the Office of Public Works are examining ways of improving the existing Export Office.