asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state the total amounts applied for (1) by the Laoighis County Council; and (2) by the Offaly County Council under the Local Authorities (Works) Act, 1949, for the year ending 31st March, 1951, and the amounts already sanctioned for this period; and if he will further state whether the Offaly County Council have been or will be requested to explain why they are not in a position to carry out more schemes under the terms of the Act.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Local Authorities (Works) Act.
The total value of works submitted for execution in the financial year 1950-51 under the Local Authorities (Works) Act, 1949, is £111,478 in the case of the Laoighis County Council and £16,314 in the case of the Offaly County Council. Interim grants of £15,000 and £6,000, respectively, have been notified to the county councils.
As I have indicated on many occasions, it is my policy to leave the selection of works under the Act to be put forward for approval in the hands of the local authorities, who are best aware of the particular needs of their own areas.