asked the Minister for the Environment the number of road gritters in use in this country at present; where they are manufactured; the purchase price of these machines; and the estimated number which will be purchased during 1984-85.
Written Answers. - Road Gritters.
465.
Mr. Coughlan
The purchase of machinery for road works, including road gritters, is primarily a matter for road authorities. My Department do not maintain a record of the number of gritters in use throughout the country and accordingly, I am not in a position to supply information in the form sought by the Deputy.
In the context of snow and ice clearance operations, I notified road authorities of State grants totalling £253,000 last year to finance the purchase of specialist equipment, including 13 gritters costing a total of £196,000. Details of the manufacturers of each of these gritters are not available in the Department. In 1984, I propose to make an allocation of the same order for this purpose and I intend to notify the authorities concerned later this year. State funds are not yet available in relation to 1985.