asked the Minister tor Finance in connection with the invitation of the Taoiseach and the Minister for Local Government to local authorities to submit schemes of economic merit (1) the total number of schemes submitted, (2) the number approved, (3) the number rejected and (4) the number still under consideration.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Schemes of Economic Merit.
13.
Over 700 proposals were received from local authorities in response to the invitations issued by the Taoiseach and the Minister for Local Government for suggestions relating to State investment in public projects of economic merit. This figure includes proposals of a minor nature and involves duplication to the extent that many of the proposals were put forward by more than one local authority.
I have already indicated, in a reply to a question on 10 February, 1960, the outcome, as at that date, of the examination of these proposals. Suggestions received since then have not altered the general position.
In many cases the question of approval or rejection did not arise. Many proposals were of a very general nature—for example, the development of afforestation or of unspecified tourist works. Others, such as the development of existing industries, related to the private sector of the economy.
Of the more specific proposals, a large number related to schemes such as roads, water supplies and sanitary services which either were being, or would be, considered by the Department of Local Government in the normal exercise of its functions. In any event, such proposals and many others did not satisfy the criterion that capital expenditure productive of competitive goods and services must receive a greater priority than formerly in the public capital programme.
The more promising suggestions are being followed up by the Economic Development Branch of my Department in consultation with the official bodies concerned. These mainly concern specific tourism proposals but also relate to such matters as fruit, vegetable and fish processing. Examination of these proposals has not yet been completed.
Does the Minister answer part (2) of the Question?
It would be misleading to give a number. Some are being considered and others have been rejected.
Is it not correct to say that of the 700 proposals put up, none has been approved? The whole thing is a big bluff.
That might be a good answer for the Deputy to give but it is not true.
How many of the 700 have been approved?
I shall not say any more but that is not true.
None has been approved.
That is not true.
How many?
Will the Minister confess that the whole thing was a cod and we shall forgive him?
Deputy Norton is becoming very impudent since he moved up there.
14.
asked the Minister for Finance the names of the local authorities which, in response to the invitation of the Taoiseach and the Minister for Local Government, submitted schemes of development.
As the reply contains information in the form of a tabular statement, I propose with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle to have it circulated with the official report.
Following is the information:—
|
County Borough Corporations: |
|
|
Cork |
Limerick |
|
Dublin |
Waterford |
|
County Councils: |
|
|
Carlow |
Louth |
|
Cavan |
Mayo |
|
Clare |
Meath |
|
Cork |
Monaghan |
|
Donegal |
Offaly |
|
Dublin |
Roscommon |
|
Kerry |
Sligo |
|
Kildare |
Tipperary (N.R.) |
|
Kilkenny |
Tipperary (S.R.) |
|
Laois |
Waterford |
|
Leitrim |
Westmeath |
|
Limerick |
Wexford |
|
Longford |
Wicklow |
|
Borough Corporations: |
|
|
Drogheda |
Kilkenny |
|
Dún Laoghaire |
Sligo |
|
Galway |
Wexford |
|
Urban District Councils: |
||
|
Arklow |
Clonakilty |
Mallow |
|
Athlone |
Clones |
Midleton |
|
Ballina |
Cobh |
Monaghan |
|
Ballinasloe |
Dundalk |
Naas |
|
Birr |
Dungarvan |
New Ross |
|
Bray |
Ennis |
Skibberreen |
|
Buncrana |
Fermoy |
Templemore |
|
Bundoran |
Killarney |
Tralee |
|
Carlow |
Kilrush |
Tullamore |
|
Carrick-on-Suir |
Kinsale |
Westport |
|
Cashel |
Letterkenny |
Wicklow |
|
Castleblayney |
Longford |
Youghal |
|
Ceanannus Mór |
Macroom |
Harbour Authorities:
Dublin Port and Docks Board.