asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state whether he is now in a position to release the grant of £2,500, suspended some years ago, towards the improvement of the road from Dreeny Bridge to Drimoleague, County Cork.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Grant for County Cork Road.
The resumption of improvement grants depends on a number of factors, on which I am not in a position to give precise information at present. Labour and materials must not be diverted from works of greater national importance. Turf production and road maintenance must receive priority having regard to the resources which may be ascertained as necessary to meet requirements. I am hopeful that in the present year sufficient materials will become available to enable county councils to commence extensive surface treatment of main roads, but the extent to which road improvement grants can be authorised cannot be foreseen at this stage.
Might I bring to the notice of the Parliamentary Secretary that in this particular instance the material required for this work has been lying on the side of the road in question for about three years and is to a certain extent an obstruction? This road has deteriorated into a very bad condition. Might I ask the Parliamentary Secretary to give special consideration to the circumstances of this case?
The Deputy may be assured that every consideration will be given to requests of this kind having regard to the supply of materials and labour.