asked the Minister for Finance if he will state (a) the total number of excavators distinguishing between old and new ones at present owned by the Commissioners of Public Works; (b) the number of each at present in complete working order; (c) the number being worked at present; and (d) the number lying idle; further, whether he will consider hiring out any excavators which may be idle at present for use by county councils in carrying out drainage maintenance work.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Excavators in Use.
The Commissioners of Public Works have 29 excavators of which 12 are new machines. Twenty-four are in complete working order and 23 (including the 12 new machines) are at present working. Five of the other six are awaiting or undergoing repairs and arrangements are in train to hire the remaining machine to a local authority for drainage maintenance work. The commissioners will consider applications from local authorities doing drainage maintenance work for the hire of such machines as can be spared from their own works.