asked the Minister for the Marine if he is aware of the bad condition of roads in the Mayhora, Castlecomer, County Kilkenny, area due to heavy traffic generated by his Department; and when he will be in a position to make a contribution to Kilkenny County Council for repairs to these roads.

The roads in question are county council roads and my Department have no responsibility for their repair. Neither are there any funds at my disposal to contribute to the upkeep of these roads.