asked the Minister for Local Government whether, in view of the destruction of the public road between Kinnitty and Kilcormack, Offaly, by the continued flooding of the Camcor River at Knockbarron since 1943 resulting in part of this roadway becoming a river bed, he will consider making a special grant to enable the reconstruction of the road to take place.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Damage to Knockbarron (Offaly) Road.
I would refer the Deputy to the reply given to a similar question of his on 20th July last. As indicated in that reply the reconstruction of the road would not solve the problem, and therefore the allocation of a special grant for the purpose suggested could not be justified.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary say whether, in the circumstances, a special grant will be made available for the draining of the river?
I do not think such a grant would be justified. Any moneys that would be available would be from the Board of Works — not from the Department of Local Government.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware, in this connection, that in regard to this particular problem the Laoighis County Council have disclaimed responsibility? The Office of the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance also has disclaimed responsibility, and the position is that the problem remains as it has remained for the past four years.
And nobody has done anything.
The Deputy does not have to tell us so.