asked the Minister for the Environment if an application has been made to the EC for aid to repair and improve county roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Roads.
20.
I have no direct ministerial responsibility regarding applications for aid from the EC in respect of roads. My Department are, however, consulted where EC aid is sought in respect of road works and, as Minister with overall responsibility for such works, I try to ensure that the level of EC aid for roads is maximised within the overall levels of available aid.
The following Ministers co-ordinate applications for EC aid for certain purposes: (1) The Minister for Finance in relation to grants from the European Regional Fund, loans from the European Investment Bank, and grants for the Special Border Areas Programme; (2) The Minister for Agriculture in relation to aid under the Western Package; (3) The Minister for Communications in relation to grants under the special fund for transport infrastructure.
The Minister has told the House that applications for EC regional aid, and other forms of aid, go through central Government and, as he is committed to devolution, I should like to know if he will accept the case that local authorities should be entitled to apply for this aid for projects within their areas?
The Deputy, and the House, will recall that it was a decision of the Government in the early seventies to seek to have the entire country designated as one for regional purposes and to have all applications for European aid channelled through central Government.
Will the Minister agree that it is time to have a look at this again? Times and circumstances have changed and local authorities should be permitted to apply directly.
I must move to questions nominated for priority.