asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that, in many, parts of the country where local authorities are precluded from expending money on the repair and maintenance of stop-end roads, great hardship is inflicted on people served by such roads owing to the fact that in many cases they have become impassable; and whether, in view of the fact that such roads usually serve a large number of farmhouses and in other cases are used for the conveyance of turf from bogs to main roads, he will take steps to provide money either in respect of employment schemes or otherwise for the repair and maintenance of such roads by county surveyors.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Repair and Maintenance of Stop-end Roads.
As announced in the daily and provincial newspapers and over the radio during the week ended 19th June, 1943, a new scheme, entitled the "Rural Improvements Scheme", has been authorised under which grants are made available towards the cost of improvement works which are for the joint benefit of groups of farmers. The following kinds of work are eligible for consideration: (a) accommodation roads to houses, lands and bogs; (b) small drainage schemes other than field drains; (c) small bridges; and (d) roads to connect public roads. The normal rate of contribution from State funds towards the cost of approved works under the scheme is 75 per cent., but in certain cases where the works are of general public utility as, for example, link roads used extensively by the public, a higher proportion of State grant may be allowed.
Application forms and further particulars of the scheme may be obtained from the Special Employment Schemes Office, 51 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin.
In view of the importance of this matter, may I ask the Parliamentary Secretary if he would supply Deputies with application forms and also with copies of the scheme, including the basis on which the grants will be made?
I will consider that.