asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that the amount of £12,000 allocated to County Galway in respect of amenity scheme grants is totally inadequate and if he will consider increasing this amount substantially.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Galway Amenity Grants.
154.
I have great sympathy for the view expressed by the Deputy but I think it is a view which most people would have about their own particular area. Unfortunately, in view of the competing demands of other essential services such as housing, water and sewerage, swimming pools, and so on, on the money available, the amount provided for works of public amenity is necessarily limited. I must point out, however, that last year's provision of £120,500 for derelict site and amenity grants has been increased this year to £300,000 for the new amenity grants scheme. Within the confines of these resources I have tried to make allocations to local authorities as equitably as possible. The money provided for the current year is fully committed and it is not therefore possible for me to increase the allocation to County Galway or to any other planning authority.