asked the Minister for Local Government if it is proposed to improve the roads in the Rossport-Carrateigue area, County Mayo, with particular reference to the approach roads to fishing and landing facilities in this area; and, if so, when.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mayo Road Improvements.
24.
The initiative as to the roads to be improved in the area in question rests with the Mayo County Council. I am aware that the council have recently undertaken the improvement of the road from Muingnabo to Rossport post office with the aid of a grant from Roinn na Gaeltachta and are considering an extension of this improvement to Rossport Ferry. I am not in a position to say when the council propose to undertake the improvement of the other roads in the area.
Is the Minister aware that local men of excellent standing and good character, while they have taken action which cannot be legally condoned but which is morally acceptable, have submitted themselves to fines and are going to jail?
I am so aware.
Is the Minister doing anything about it?
It is not a matter for the Minister to do anything about.
Is the Minister not aware of some sort of problem, some difficulty between his inspectors and the engineering staff of the county council regarding the width of road?
I am not aware of that, but I am aware there was a five-year programme approved by me in 1961 which included part mileage of some of the roads in question. One was down for some development last year but there were no real proposals and no work was carried out, despite the fact that the road was included in the 1961 five-year plan. There are two further stretches down for improvement but no firm proposals on them have yet reached my Department.
Would the Minister use his good offices to see that something is done quickly in that area?
I have been inquiring as to why the five-year programme has not been carried out but that information has not yet come to me.
I am obliged to the Minister.
I understood the Minister to say he is not aware of any difference of opinion between the council engineers and the engineers of his Department. Is it not true that the county manager has been called to his Department to try to iron out the difference of opinion that exists between the county council engineers and those in his Department?
I am not so aware, and it is not unusual for a county manager to have consultations on any problems affecting the administration of his county or his area of jurisdiction. I take it if such a meeting has really taken place, it may or may not have had to do with roads but it was not the only reason for his being called to Dublin, if in fact he was called to Dublin at all.