asked the Minister for Local Government if, in view of the fact that more suitable machinery is now available, he will encourage local authorities to undertake more extensive clearing of streams involving improvement of lands in their administrative areas.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Local Authorities and Clearing of Streams.
The local authorities are made aware each year of the grants which will be available during the year for the financing of works under the Local Authorities (Works) Act, 1949. The selection of the approved works to which the grant is to be applied in any particular year is left to the discretion of each local authority. I think that it would be inadvisable for me to interfere with discretion.
Would the Minister look into the reasons why the proposal of the county council for the clearing of the Ownabee, famed in song and story, was turned down? I made personal representations in the matter to the Minister. I am only asking the Minister now if he will look into it.
If the Deputy can persuade the county council to submit this particular proposal.
They did.