asked the Minister for Local Government what is the basis on which allocations from the Road Fund are made to the Limerick Corporation; when the present basis was established; and if he has any proposals to increase the allocation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Road Fund Allocations to Limerick Corporation.
8.
An annual improvement grant of £15,000, based on the estimated needs of the local authority, has been allocated from the Road Fund to Limerick Corporation since 1955/56. In addition a new grant of 40 per cent of approved expenditure on the upkeep of trunk and link roads has been notified to the Corporation for the current financial year. I have no specific proposals from the Corporation to increase the grants allocated.
Would the Minister answer the first part of the question— what is the basis on which allocations are made?
The basis, as may be gathered from the reply, rests on a number of factors such as population, number of vehicles registered, valuation etc. Actually, before the war an improvement grant was made available on such a basis. It was suspended during the war and was resumed in 1945-46 when a grant of £4,000 was paid. In the following year the same grant was paid. In 1947, £8,000 was paid. It was suspended until 1950-51 when £10,000 was paid. In 1952-53, £10,000 was paid; in 1953-54 £20,000 was paid; it was suspended until 1955-56 and since then £15,000 has been paid annually and in addition a new 40 per cent. grant is to be paid this year.
As the number of registrations goes up the grant goes up with them?
Not necessarily, as far as I can ascertain from the history of the grant. There are a number of factors, population, number of registrations and the need. Apparently the question of need comes into this matter. It is not very closely tied, as far as I can see from the past record in regard to these grants. There were uniform grants for a number of years and more recently these grants have not been uniformly applied.
As the need increases will the grant go up?
Provided the money is available.
Would the Minister say why a grant of £20,000 in 1953-54 dropped by £5,000 to £15,000 in 1955-56?
From the various supplementary replies I have given, and from the official reply itself, it is clear that a number of factors, population, number of vehicles, the needs and so on are all governing factors as well as the availability of money.
It dropped by £5,000 anyway.
Yes.
It was the change of Government.
What would qualify a county or county borough to get an increase in the grant?
That is a separate question.
Surely Deputy O'Malley should not be allowed to usurp the functions of the Ceann Comhairle?
I am afraid I disagree with him—or rather, I agree with him.
You said the right thing first.
No, unfortunately, I did not.
I have great difficulty in finding out this. I have been working at it for about four years.
The Deputy will eventually find it out.