asked the Minister for Finance whether, in view of my question on the 17/11/49 and his replies thereto and other representations in the matter, he is now prepared to consider making available a minor relief grant for the reconstruction of the road from Clonkeen to Shanballymore, E.D. Dunmore N., R.D. Tuam.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Minor Relief Scheme.
Since the Deputy's previous question I have had this proposal further examined. I find that, as stated in my reply on that occasion, there are a considerable number of other proposals for the same area which have superior merits as employment schemes, and which I propose to dispose of first. In addition, the number of unemployed persons on the register at the special enumeration taken in January last is relatively very small, and as the Deputy's proposal involves the construction of what is virtually a new road, the estimated cost is far in excess of the money available for the district. For this reason, I see no early prospect of carrying out the work as an employment scheme, that is, with a full-cost grant. I would, therefore. suggest that the landholders concerned should consider availing themselves of the rural improvements scheme, the recently revised terms of which give special facilities to landholders, the poor law valuations of whose lands are low.