asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he is aware that the grant of £13,729 for the Newbridge-Naas road under the National Roads Scheme, has not given relief to any of the unemployed in Newbridge area, County Kildare, and whether he will, in order to relieve some of the large amount of unemployment and destitution prevailing, instruct the Roads Board to now proceed immediately with the work of widening the Liffey Bridge on the Naas-Kildare trunk road.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - ROAD WORK IN KILDARE.
I have made inquiries from the County Surveyor and from the contractor, and I understand that seventy-six men are at present employed in connection with the grant referred to. Without duplicating expensive plant it was not practicable to commence work simultaneously at both ends of the Naas-Newbridge road. It is hoped to announce very shortly a grant for the improvement of main roads in the county, and a further grant in connection with the second section of the National Road Scheme. It is estimated that these additional works of improvement will amount to about £40,000. Under these grants provision is being made for the carrying out of work in the Newbridge area. In these circumstances, it is not at present proposed to make the grant suggested in the second part of the Deputy's question.
I could not hear the Minister's reply very well, but as far as I can gather, there is nothing at all in the reply relating to the Liffey Bridge. That is a very important work. I have mentioned this matter several times before, and I think the Minister ought to try to do something in that direction.
I cannot undertake to do that for the present.
Will the Minister try to expedite the other work in connection with the improvement of the trunk roads? Four months ago I was told that considerable employment would be given in the Newbridge area, and there has not been any yet.
I have just mentioned that about £40,000 will be allocated for improvements there in a short time.
That money is in the air. We cannot get it to give employment.