Vol. 263 No. 13
asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that road fund grants are inadequate to meet the urgent road problem in Mayo; and if any additional funds will be made available as a matter of urgency in view of this country's entry into EEC.
140.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that many urgent road schemes have been abandoned in Mayo resulting in serious unemployment in areas such as Swinford, Charlestown, Foxford, Ballina, Crossmolina, Killala, Ballycastle, Claremorris, Ballyhaunis, Kilkelly, Knock and Carracastle; and if he will take the necessary steps to have work undertaken as a matter of urgency in these areas.
141.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that the total amount of grant money being made available by his Department for road work schemes is inadequate and consequently roads in many areas are in a very bad state of repair; and if he will take the necessary steps to have increased grants made available.
I propose with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to reply to Questions Nos. 139, 140 and 141 together.
Grant allocations for road works are necessarily related to the overall demands on available public funds for essential services. On that basis I am satisfied that the allocation for the current year, totalling £14.4 million— an increase of £2 million on last year —is reasonable and enables road authorities to make adequate progress with their programmes for the improvement and upkeep of the road system.
Grant allocations to Mayo County Council in the current year total £661,850, an increase of £57,780 on the previous year. I am not aware that any works provided for in the current programme have been abandoned. Larger schemes being carried out in stages will, no doubt, be continued in future programmes.
