asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he is aware that three major schemes for relief of unemployment, representing an expenditure of £40,000, sponsored by the Dublin Corporation, are being held up for the reasons stated below: (a) Castlewood Avenue-Charleston Road; improvements are awaiting his recommendation on the findings of the public inquiry; (b) Orwell (Dodder) Bridge improvements; delay in acquisition, either compulsorily or by agreement of the lands required; (c) widening of Botanic Avenue and extension of Griffith Park; scheme awaits his certificate; and if he will state when replies to the corporation regarding the schemes outstanding will be forthcoming.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Unemployment Relief Schemes.
Proposals received from local authorities for the provision of employment are dealt with in my Department as expeditiously as possible. As regards the works referred to the position is as follows: The Charleston Road—Castlewood Avenue scheme has presented some difficulty quite apart from the applications of interested parties to have the preliminary orders of the corporation annulled. The scheme as outlined needs to be reviewed. The general alignment of the road as proposed is open to objection from a traffic point of view. The proposals have recently been referred back to the corporation for further consideration before a decision is given. The adoption of a new alignment may involve fresh proceedings on the part of the corporation. Some of the plots proposed to be acquired under the original application may not be required, while it may be necessary to schedule other plots for acquisition.
The Dodder Bridge scheme of the corporation has been approved and a grant of £6,175 allocated therefore. The delay in proceeding with the scheme has been due entirely to the failure of the corporation to secure agreement with the owner of the lands to be acquired. I understand, however, that an agreement has recently been reached between the parties and it is expected that the work on the scheme will shortly be put in hands.
As regards the proposed widening of Botanic Avenue the last day for appeals by owners or occupiers for annulment of the preliminary order was the 26th ultimo. There have been seven appeals. These are under consideration and a decision will be announced without delay.
The Minister is aware that on Thursday night last the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance stated that the corporation were holding up £40,000 worth of work, whereas it is now admitted that the corporation——
The Deputy is not asking a question. The Deputy is imparting, not seeking, information.
Is the Minister aware that the corporation have not yet got permission from his Department to go on with the work that is so urgently needed by those who are unemployed and will he speed up sanction and answer letters of the corporation in a reasonable time?
That statement is a complete fabrication.
The Minister is not giving any answer, as usual. The Parliamentary Secretary will apologise.