asked the Minister for Local Government the order of priorities for the rural improvement schemes it is intended to implement in the current financial year.
12.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rural Improvement Schemes.
11.
asked the Minister for Local Government the number of schemes carried out under the rural improvement schemes in the past 12 months.
13.
asked the Minister for Local Government the number of rural improvement schemes for which applications have been made to his Department; and the number of such schemes it is intended to implement in the current financial year.
I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 11, 12 and 13 together.
764 schemes were authorised for execution in the 12 months ended 31st March, 1967. The figure for schemes actually completed within the year is not readily available but it may be taken that it corresponds closely to the number of authorisations.
There were approximately 1,200 outstanding applications at 1st April, 1967. The number of these which will be carried out during the current year will be determined in the first instance by the lodgment of local contributions and cannot be closely estimated in advance. It may be assumed, however, that approximately the same number of schemes will be authorised as last year. Furthermore, some of the applications may be eligible as minor employment or bog development schemes.
In general, the order of priority in the issue of offers of grant is the date of receipt of the application. The order of priority for the issue of the final authorisation to proceed with the work is the date of lodgment of the local contribution.