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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 26 Apr 1950

Vol. 120 No. 8

Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Grants for Road Improvement.

asked the Minister for Local Government if, in view of the increased revenue from motor taxation and from petrol tax totalling over £2,600,000 since 1947-48 and consequent increased traffic and deterioration of roads, he will consider increasing the grants to local authorities for road improvement and repairs.

The grants allocated to local authorities for the current financial year are the maximum which can be made available from the income of the Road Fund.

On the 18th April, I asked a question of the Minister for Finance. As a result of that question, I found that £1,117,000 more was received from petrol taxation last year than was received in 1947-48. On the following day, by a question addressed to the Minister for Local Government, I found that a sum of £600,000 more was received from motor taxation last year than was received in 1947-48. In view of that position and of the extra wear and tear that must be imposed on roads, when so much extra petrol is being used and so much extra heavy lorry and other traffic is being carried, would not the Parliamentary Secretary consider that it is only just that some of that money should be devoted to the upkeep of the roads that are being torn up now? If the Parliamentary Secretary is not prepared to accede to that, I would ask permission to raise this matter on the adjournment of the House.

I do not know if the Deputy intended me to reply while he was on his feet. I think he is well aware that it has never been the practice to devote any of the moneys from petrol taxation to the upkeep or maintenance of roads. He is also aware, from the figures indicated to him in previous replies from the Minister for Local Government and the Minister for Finance, that practically all—98 per cent. or 99 per cent.-of the moneys derived from motor taxation have been devoted all the time to maintenance, repair, upkeep and improvement of the roads.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the constituency I represent got no money for roads last year?

Perfectly well aware.

I propose, with your permission, Sir, to raise this matter on the Adjournment.

May I submit that the matter of the distribution of moneys derived from petrol taxation has nothing to do with the Minister for Local Government?

The question is one of extra wear and tear on the roads. The use of extra petrol means extra mileage.

I will give a decision, before the Adjournment, as to whether the matter may be raised or not.

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