asked the Minister for the Environment if, in view of his commitment to the full time employment of county council outdoor staff, he will now make sufficient funds available to Laois County Council to keep on workers in full time employment, and to carry out essential repairs to county roads which in many areas have totally disintegrated.
Written Answers. - Laois County Council Outdoor Staff.
93.
It has been the practice, as established by successive Governments, that local authorities carry full responsibility for the maintenance of county roads and road grants have not, therefore, been provided for this purpose. I am aware, however, that the condition of county roads is a matter of serious concern in a number of areas and that some county councils are experiencing difficulties in financing necessary works to these roads. As I stated in my reply to Questions Nos. 3 and 19 on 10 June 1986, I have asked my Department to examine the overall position urgently in the light of this situation and I expect to be in a position to make an announcement about the matter in the near future.