asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he is aware that a grant notified some years ago for the reconstruction of the road from Bauravilla to Drimoleague, County Cork, was suspended; that the road is now in a very bad condition; that material required for the work is piled on the sides of the road on which there is extensive traffic, including turf traffic; and if he will take steps to have the grant now made available for this work.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Grant for Repair of County Cork Road.
I explained to the Deputy in November, 1941, in reply to his question in regard to this and other roads in Cork County that the acute effect of the emergency on the revenue of the Road Fund rendered it necessary to discontinue the making of grants for the improvement of main roads. There has been no change in that position so that a grant for the reconstruction of the Drimoleague Road cannot be considered. No representations have been received from the local authority as to the present condition of the road. The grant from the Road Fund was intended for the improvement, as distinct from the repair and maintenance of the road, and the fact that a grant for improvement cannot be made does not affect the responsibility of the county council for the maintenance of the road.
Would the Minister consider making some contribution towards this work which is now urgent on condition that the local authority would make its contribution? I assure the Minister of its real urgency.
The Deputy is aware that the amount which Cork County Council spends on the maintenance of the road is below the average and in these circumstances I do not think I can relieve the council of further responsibility.
If the council would make a contribution, would the Minister consider making a contribution?
I think the real approach to this matter would be that the Cork County Council ought to maintain this road in a proper way. It must make its own provision for that.