asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state the amount expended on the upkeep of roads in County Longford for the three years ending 31st March, 1924, and how much of the sum expended was raised locally, and how much contributed by grants; further, if he will state the report of the Chief Roads Engineer on the condition of the roads in that county, and what immediate steps he proposes to take to put the roads in proper repair and to ensure that for the future the ratepayers will get better results for money expended.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - UPKEEP OF CO. LONGFORD ROADS.
The total amount expended in the three years ended 31st March, 1924, on road upkeep by the Longford County Council was, approximately, £54,535, of which £50,811 was defrayed from rates and £3,724 from special grants.
The report of the Chief Roads Engineer cannot be treated adequately in answer to a question. It shows that there is laxity of control over those employed on the roads, that more resolute attention is required to their duties by the Surveyors, and that the amount voted for the roads has not kept pace with the rise in wages or with the necessities of the case in view of the large increase in motor traffic since 1913. At the same time the Engineer reports that the Council appear to have done their best in difficult times, and it is expected that with cooperation all round the roads bearing the heaviest traffic will be made tolerably right within the current year. The report recommends that the minor roads should be set to contractors.
A copy of the report is being sent to the Council, who, with their survey staff, are being given an opportunity to improve the road administration and secure a better return for the expenditure. A further inspection will be made at an early date.