Vol. 497 No. 2
282 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will provide additional funding to Cavan County Council in 1999 towards the repair and maintenance of regional and county roads in view of the need for further additional investment in this necessary infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24890/98]
As the Deputy is aware, I visited County Cavan on 5 September 1997 and during my meeting with members and officials of the county council a number of issues were discussed in detail, including the investment needs of the county's road network. In the meantime during other visits to the county I had the opportunity to discuss with the Deputy and councillors the need to improve the road network, particularly non-national roads. I am glad that the record grant allocations which I approved to Cavan County Council for 1998 have enabled a very substantial road works programme to be undertaken. As I outlined to the Deputy in correspondence dated 16 August 1998 I have said many times that the Government is committed to providing the necessary level of funding over the remaining years of the roads restoration programme to restore all regional and local roads throughout the county to a satisfactory condition.
