asked the Minister for Local Government if he has received complaints concerning the state of repair of the public roads in the Walsh Island area in the parish of Clonbollogue, Offaly; if he will have the attention of those responsible drawn to the importance of making these roads fit for use; if immediate repairs are not being or cannot be carried out, if he will make an Order closing the roads as dangerous to the public, as they are unfit for traffic of any kind; and if he will further state the reasons why the roads in this area have been permitted to fall into such a bad state of repair.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Repair of Offaly Roads.
In 1945 complaints were received about the condition of roads in Walsh Island area, Offaly, which in recent years have had to bear abnormal traffic owing to the turf campaign. Complaints have also been made to the Offaly County Council. The county council have provided funds for the repair of these roads and I understand that as soon as the weather clears some repair work will be carried out, but shortage of labour is impending the execution of any major repair work.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the county surveyor in that district has refused to employ labour? The Parliamentary Secretary now tells us there is a shortage of labour. Daniel Dunne, of Cloneygowan, is one man whom the county surveyor refuses to employ. There is plenty of work there and also plenty of labour.
There is nothing about Mr. Dunne in the question.
Surely, I am entitled to tell the Parliamentary Secretary that there is no shortage of labour there? There are plenty of men, but the county surveyor will not employ them.
I have been informed by the county surveyor that there is a shortage of labour in the district.
I know there is not.