asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that, consequent on the decision of the Waterford County Council to stop the cutting of hand-won turf in the Bally-macarberyarea this year, grave unemployment exists among the road workers of the whole area and also in the Touraneena and Kilbrien areas due to reduced road works programmes being adopted; and, if so, if he will state whether he is prepared to give a special grant to enable the council to provide work for the unemployed men in those areas who have been employed with the county council for the past three years or more.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Waterford Road Workers.
The Waterford County Council have already been notified of the Road Fund grants available to them for the present financial year. The improvement grants show an increase of £17,300 over those made available last year, in addition to which a grant of 40 per cent. of the amount provided by the council for the maintenance of main roads will be available.
There are no funds at my disposal for allocation by way of special grant for the purpose indicated by the Deputy, and I have therefore no detailed information on the employment position or prospects in the areas mentioned.