asked the Minister for Finance if he will state in respect of a rural employment scheme proposal for a road work at Ardnacally, Taugheen, County Mayo, Ref. Mayo 1180, (a) the date on which the proposal was received in his Department, (b) the date on which an inspection took place, (c) the reason for the long delay in dealing with the application, and (d) when he proposes to sanction the work.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mayo Rural Employment Scheme.
The proposal referred to was received on 14th April, 1955, and was inspected on 29th May, 1956. The delay in dealing with this and other applications under the rural improvements scheme is largely unavoidable due to the increase in recent years in the demand for grants. The position was aggravated in some areas due to staff vacancies, a number of which have now been filled. I am not at present in a position to offer a grant for the Ardnacally proposal as the commitments in respect of offers already issued this year are sufficient to absorb the current allocation of funds for rural improvements schemes; but I shall communicate with the applicants immediately the issue of offers is resumed.