asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state (a) the total sum paid in compensation for land, houses, and other amenities taken over, destroyed or rebuilt during the main road improvements on the Cork to Dublin road from Cork Borough boundary to Watergrasshill, (b) the total mileage of road involved, (c) the total cost in each of the years 1955, 1956, and 1957, (d) the amount contributed by the Road Fund and the local ratepayers, respectively, (e) the estimated cost of upkeep per mile per annum of the road surface and amenities for the next eight years, and (f) the total estimated amount required to complete improvements.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cost of Cork-Dublin Road Improvements.
(a) The information requested is not available in my Department.
(b) The total mileage of road involved is approximately ten.
(c) The total cost of works carried out in the year 1955-56 was £44,333 and in 1956-57 was £30,006. Final figures are not yet available for 1957-58 but are estimated at £42,000.
(d) For the years 1955-56 and 1956-57 the full cost of works (excluding land acquisition) was borne by the Road Fund apart from a local contribution of £3,000 to the cost of a bridge work. Until final figures are available for 1957-58 it is not possible to say what the Road Fund and local contributions will be. Generally, it may be taken that 100 per cent. of the cost of works, including the cost of rebuilding walls, out-offices, etc., will be borne by the Road Fund.
(e) The estimated cost of upkeep would be a matter for determination by the road authority. I understand, however, that the amount estimated for this purpose is approximately £180 per mile per annum.
(f) The information will not be available until detailed schemes for the other sections of road involved have been submitted by the road authority.
Is there any hope that the Minister will come down and look at this road before he buries any more money in it?
It is quite possible. I should like to.