asked the Minister for Finance if he will state the number of rural improvement schemes approved in County Kildare since April 1st, 1948; whether, in the case of any scheme, a higher proportion of State grant than three-quarters of the estimated cost of the scheme was approved; and, if so, if he will indicate such schemes.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kildare Rural Improvement Schemes.
The number of rural improvement schemes approved for County Kildare since April 1st, 1948, is 24. State grants in excess of the normal 75 per cent. of the estimated cost were made in three cases, as follows:—
(a) Repairs to an accommodation road in the townland of Clongorey, district electoral division of Oldconnell. The normal state grant was increased to 80 per cent. on account of the use of the road by members of the public other than the immediate beneficiaries.
(b) Repairs to an accommodation road in the townland of Thomastown East, district electoral division of Thomastown. The State grant was increased to 80 per cent. for the same reason as in (a) above.
(c) Repair and extend bog road in the townlands of Newtowndonore and Oldtowndonore, district electoral division of Donore. The State grant was increased to 85 per cent. on account of the turbary interest.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary say if these State grants were increased following the revision of the rural improvements scheme?
I could not answer that offhand.
The Parliamentary Secretary surely appreciates the importance of knowing whether these grants were increased prior to or after the revision?
And the people in general know the importance of the change in the scheme against which the Deputy voted.
Surely a Parliamentary Secretary coming into this House supposedly to give information on matters of this kind should be prepared to give it.
A Deputy
He was not asked.
The Deputy is not too well able to write it out, but he will learn.