asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that there is grave discontent amongst the farmers in County Dublin over the big increase in the present year's rates; and, if so, whether he will take steps to have the road grants restored to their original figure and to increase grants for local authority houses.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Dublin Rates.
In order to qualify for the payment of the maximum grants available local authorities were not required to provide more money from rates in respect of the current year for the financing of road works than was provided by them for the same purpose during the financial year 1948-49. I have no funds from which to increase this year's grants. This matter was fully debated on the 23rd February last.
In regard to housing it is presumed that the Deputy refers to the Transition Development Fund grants. These grants, it should be noted, are supplementary to the 60 per cent. contribution towards loan charges on labourers' cottages under the Housing (Financial and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1932, and the aggregate assistance afforded from State resources under these two heads is not considered to be on an inadequate scale.