asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he can state the total estimate of the Leix County Surveyor for road maintenance work for the year 1926-27; whether he is aware that this estimated amount was reduced by the County Council; if he will state how many men are presently employed on normal road maintenance work, and whether he has taken or proposes to take any action in the matter.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - ESTIMATE FOR ROAD MAINTENANCE (LEIX).
The total estimate of the Leix County Surveyor for road maintenance for 1926-27 was £52,293 11s. 7d. I am aware that this sum was reduced by the County Council. The number of men employed at the middle of last month (the latest date for which particulars are available) on normal road maintenance is stated by the County Surveyor to have been 37. In addition, the County Council are carrying out road works under loans on which 155 men were employed at the same date, and 145 on the national road scheme. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.
Is the Minister or the Chief Engineer of the Roads Department satisfied that normal road maintenance work can be carried out for the sum allowed in the reduced estimate?
The reduced estimate amounts to 60 per cent. above that for 1914 for the same purpose, and that is the figure we are aiming at in the present roads policy. Accordingly I would not feel justified in interfering in this case.