asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that under the present system of haulage of road materials in County Kerry these materials are often transported from the point where first delivered to other areas at distances varying from 20 to 40 miles with a resultant heavy cost on the ratepayers; further, that the expenditure involved has greatly reduced the amount of money made available for the employment of road workers in the county; and if, in the circumstances, he will have this matter investigated with a view to establishing a more economical arrangement in the transport of the materials in question.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Haulage of Road Materials (Kerry).
Mr. Flynn
This matter is one primarily for the local authority. I am informed that haulage for a distance of 20 miles is rarely necessary. The selection of quarries where the most suitable type of stone can be obtained and where the benefits of central production can be achieved enables the best value to be got for public money. The use of proper stone not alone gives a longer life to the road surface but ensures that the safest and most suitable type of surface is provided. The economies effected by a properly-planned system of stone-production should have the effect of making more money available for employment on the roads.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that road material of the same quality as the material selected and conveyed to this area by the surveyor was offered by the local farmers but was not accepted? Is he aware that as a result there was undue cost in the transport of this material and that 20 per cent. of the grant was used up in what I would say was unnecessary transport?
The Deputy's supplementary is more or less the same as his original question. The information I have received from the local authority is that there is no haulage for distances longer than 20 miles. If the Deputy has in mind any cases that can be investigated, we shall be glad to consider them because we, too, realise the necessity for economy in road work.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the surveyor caused certain road material to be transferred from Dingle to Tralee, and a different road material from Tralee to Dingle, a distance of approximately 40 miles?
I am not so aware, but if the Deputy furnishes the Department with specific cases, they will be investigated.