asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the grave dissatisfaction felt by members of local authorities throughout the country due to the fact that expenditure under the Local Authorities (Works) Act, 1949, could not be undertaken until after the 30th September; and if he will state the reason for this delay.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Local Authorities (Works) Act.
It is the practice to advise local authorities to time their programme of works under the Local Authorities (Works) Act so as to avoid interfering with or drawing labour away from other seasonal activities such as farming, turf production, road works, etc. The observance of this practice was considered particularly necessary this year, in view of the exceptional circumstances of the harvest.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that on various dates during last May and June, the local authority in Roscommon appealed to the Minister to notify them of the drainage grant for the present year? It was the desire of the local authority to carry out drainage works in the summer months when they could do drainage. Instead of giving that permission to the local authority who should know what the employment situation is in the county, the Department of Local Government deliberately issued a circular, dated the 6th September, requesting the county council not to undertake drainage works until after the 30th September. Does the Minister or Parliamentary Secretary think it is proper to expend money on drainage works in the winter months when the same work could be done at half the cost during the summer season?
I respect the point of view put forward by the Deputy in his supplementary question, but a very effective answer can be given to some of the points mentioned. The Deputy may not be aware that representations have been received from a number of county councils requesting the Department to carry out the procedure given in the answer I have just read out. It is correct also to state, in fairness to the Deputy, that representations were received from the Roscommon County Council. The Deputy is aware—I think he is a member of the county council—that special consideration was given to the representations made by the Roscommon County Council last year and they were allowed to undertake certain works in the Cross River. Representations have been recently received from the Roscommon County Council also on this matter and will receive careful and favourable consideration. That is all I can say.
In view of the nature of that reply, and with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I wish to raise this matter on the Adjournment.
I will communicate with the Deputy.