asked the Minister for Finance if he will make available grants for the drainage of land in many parts of Sligo-Leitrim constituency, as many farmers who have half their land flooded for most of the year will be forced to emigrate if something is not done to relieve the situation.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Grants for Drainage in Sligo-Leitrim.
7.
Grants may be made under the Rural Improvements Scheme for drainage works serving two or more landholders jointly provided that the cost in each case is commensurate with the benefits likely to be obtained, and that the beneficiaries are prepared to contribute to the cost. In the last financial year, 1960/61, grants were made in Sligo/Leitrim amounting to £9,047 for sixty schemes estimated to cost £10,736, the bulk of these schemes being in County Leitrim.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary state if full cost grants are available for any of these schemes other than bog development schemes?
Not from the Special Employment Schemes Office.
From any section in his office? Are full cost grants available for any of these drainage works such as were available previously under the Local Authorities (Works) Act?
Arterial drainage is a full State grant.
It is, and we will get it in 35 years time.
More money is being spent on it now than was ever spent before.
Are any full cost grants available for drainage schemes?
For bog drainage.
Then the Minister for Local Government made several untruthful statements to this House some 18 months ago.