asked the Minister for the Environment the proposals he has to ensure adequate funds for the services provided by (1) Sligo Corporation, (2) Sligo County Council and (3) Leitrim County Council to maintain the level of employment provided by these bodies.
Written Answers. - Sligo-Leitrim Local Authority Employment.
590.
Since the Government took office, an additional £31.5 million has been provided in rate support grants to local authorities over and above the amounts included in the Public Service Estimates published in November 1982. A total of £143,000 has been allocated for employment on environment works in the areas mentioned. I have also recently advised local authorities of a substantial reduction, amounting to over £1½ million, in the 1983 demand on local authorities for arterial drainage. The combined effect of these measures will mean special resources of the following amounts for the authorities mentioned by the Deputy. Sligo County Council — £388,550; Leitrim County Council — £249,350; Sligo Corporation — £166,150.
The Local Government (Financial Provisions) (No. 2) Bill 1983, which is scheduled for enactment in this session, will extend the powers of local authorities generally to raise revenue through charges for local services. I am satisfied that these measures, taken with the normal development programmes of the local authorities referred to, represent a major contribution in enabling employment levels to be maintained.