asked the Minister for Local Government the circumstances in which Galway County Council refused a grant to Ballyshrule pig fattening unit to improve a road leading to the unit which is the property of 500 members; and if he will consider amending any regulation which prevents payment of a grant in a case such as this.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Galway Road Grant.
103.
Mrs. Hogan O'Higgins
I indicated in my reply to Question No. 12 on 27th November, 1973, why Galway County Council did not consider this work eligible for grant under the local improvements scheme. The position is at present under review, in consultation with the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, to see whether assistance can be made available under this or any other scheme.
Mrs. Hogan O'Higgins
In view of the large number of farmers using this road, approximately 500, would the Minister pressurise the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries to do something about it. Surely the two Departments together should be able to do something about it.
A grant was paid by the Department in May, 1970, in respect of that road.
On 27th November, 1973, the Minister answered a question of mine on the same subject. He said he was reviewing the position to see whether assistance could be made available under this scheme or any other scheme and that he hoped to be in touch with the local authority. He has not been in touch with the local authority. I had intended to put down another question or to see the Minister personally. I checked with the local authority and the Minister has not been in touch with them since he answered this question.
I indicated to Deputy Callanan at the time that I thought this scheme was worthy of consideration. On checking the matter in my Department, I found that a previous grant had been paid not by my Department but by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. Therefore, it was suggested that it would not be appropriate for my Department to pursue it and I asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries to investigate the matter for me. I understand that this is still in progress and I have just told Deputy Hogan O'Higgins and I am now telling Deputy Callanan that I will try to get a decision in the near future.