asked the Minister for Finance if he will state (a) the dates in 1952-53 and 1953-54 on which sanction was given for marine works at Shrufaun, County Galway, (b) the nature and extent of the works so sanctioned, (c) the estimated cost in each case, (d) the dates of commencement and completion of the works, and (e) if any of the works has not been commenced, the cause of the delay.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Galway Marine Works.
One scheme for execution at Shrufaun was sanctioned on 13th March, 1953, and consisted of the extension of the pier by 38 feet, the provision of concrete steps, rock removal in the vicinity of the nose of the pier and repairs to the surface of the pier. These works, which were estimated to cost £1,120, were commenced on the 15th April, 1953, and completed on 31st October, 1953.
No other scheme was sanctioned in either of the years 1952-53 or 1953-54.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary now state definitely that no schemes were sanctioned in December, 1953? One is the removal of the corner of the existing pier at seaward end. The second is the filling in of recess on the pier and the provision of concrete steps. The third is the removal of silt, stones, etc., near recess and along face of pier. Will the Parliamentary Secretary also say whether, in fact, this category of work began on the 6th of this month?
I answered the question the Deputy put down.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary say that work can be carried out costing £2,000 without the knowledge of the Department which he represents in Parliament?
If the Deputy puts down another question I will reply.
No other question is necessary. Surely the Parliamentary Secretary must have been informed of this work and that the work, in fact, began on the 6th June after it had been held up for a whole year?
That work was sanctioned after the 1st April, 1954. The Deputy's question referred to prior to the 1st April.
If the Minister reads the question I put down he will see it is quite clear. Here it is: "The dates in 1952-53 and 1953-54 on which sanction was given for marine works at the Shrufaun."
The answer given by the Parliamentary Secretary to that question is quite clear.