asked the Minister for Local Government whether he has received representations from the Monaghan Urban District Council in regard to flooding by the Shambles river in the town of Monaghan; and whether he is prepared to help the District Council to drain this river and prevent recurrence of the flooding.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Monaghan Flooding.
68.
The Special Employment Schemes Office has indicated that it is prepared to make a grant of £850 towards a scheme estimated to cost £1,000 for the works on the Shambles River by Monaghan Urban District Council. On 15th September the council submitted to me proposals for an alternative scheme estimated to cost £3,000 for a more extensive cleaning and regarding of the river. The latter proposals are being examined in my Department and I am not yet in a position to say whether they will be approved or to what extent State assistance may be made available.
Am I correct in believing that already State assistance of £800 has been offered——
£850.
——if they can find the balance themselves, but if they wish to pursue the £3,000 scheme the question of State assistance will be reviewed?
There has been £850 offered for a small job which is estimated to cost £1,000; a local contribution of £150 plus £850 from the Board of Works. The other scheme is more elaborate, at £3,000, and if it is approved what State assistance, if any, will be forthcoming has not been decided.
I suppose it could not be less than what has been offered?
It could well happen.
That would be very odd.
Not really.