asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the serious position which has arisen in Tullamore, County Offaly, in connection with the cleaning of the town; and the curtailment of urban council staff because of the failure of the council to strike a rate and provide money for the necessary services; and, if so, if an inspector will be appointed to conduct a public inquiry into the matter.
Written Answers. - Tullamore Town Cleaning.
158.
In a letter which my Department issued to the local authority on the 23rd of July last I have made quite clear to the Tullamore urban district council that there is a clear obligation on the council to make the rate in order to meet that portion of local expenditure which falls to be met from local taxation. I have drawn the council's attention to the serious consequences, including the further disemployment of staff, which failure to comply with their statutory duty would have and I have made it clear that the remedy provided by law to deal with the present situation would involve the removal of members from office under section 44 of the Local Government Act, 1941, as amended by section 64 of the Local Government Act, 1946. Action under these provisions would not involve the holding of a local inquiry. I have also made it clear to the council that I am anxious to ensure that they are afforded every reasonable opportunity of discharging their functions in this matter and for that reason I have deferred taking action to give them a further opportunity of considering the whole matter.