asked the Minister for Finance if he will indicate whether a grant is available to repair (a) the road between Lehane's house and Murt Sullivan's house at Pullen, Ardgroom; and (b) the road from Tim Harrington's to Michael McCarthy's bog at Bunskilling, Ardgroom, Bantry.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Repair of County Cork Roads.
The applicants in respect of (a) indicated that the road serves only two families and such a proposal could not be considered for a full-cost grant under employment schemes. They were invited to submit it under the rural improvements scheme, which requires a contribution from the beneficiaries, but to date they have not done so.
No recent representations have been received in respect of the proposal at (b). Arrangements are now being made to have it inspected with a view to its consideration in connection with future programmes of works.
With regard to (a) would the Parliamentary Secretary be in a position to indicate whether his Department would be prepared to consider a reduced rate of contribution in view of the very low valuations in this area? Would the Department be prepared to accept, instead of 20 per cent., the 5 per cent. that was contemplated in legislation under the last régime?
I am sure they would, if the valuations are sufficiently low to come within that scheme.