asked the Minister for Local Government if it is permissible for local authorities to carry out major bridge repairs out of money allocated under the Local Authorities (Works) Act, 1949.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bridge Repairs.
The selection of works to be proposed for approval for execution with the aid of grants made available for works under the Local Authorities (Works) Act rests with each local authority. Each scheme so proposed is examined on its merits and it would not be possible to indicate, in advance of the submission of details, whether a particular scheme should be approved.
Will the Minister say that it is usual to sanction major repairs to bridges out of money which was never intended, when the Act was passed, to be used for this purpose?
It is not usual, but there may be exceptional circumstances in exceptional cases and each case will be examined on its merits.