asked the Minister for Finance if he will state the reason for the delay in giving a decision on the application of a number of local farmers for the execution of repair work to the Castlebarnagh road, Daingean, County Offaly, under the provisions of the rural improvement scheme.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Repairs to County Offaly Road.
The delay, which is regretted, is due mainly to the arrears of inspections which accumulated in recent years. It is also due in part to the fact that consideration of cases recently inspected was deferred for a short period this year because the original provision had been fully allocated. As indicated, however, in my statement in this House on 22nd October, 1953, in connection with the debate on the Vote for Employment and Emergency Schemes, the arrears of inspections are being steadily reduced, and certain additional funds are being provided for the current year.
The scheme referred to by the Deputy has been inspected, and a decision will be communicated to the applicants as soon as possible.