asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that many roads in Mayo are now in a very bad state of repair owing to the suspension of the minor employment schemes; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy this situation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mayo Road Repairs.
25.
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to his question on 17th November, 1966, on this subject. As I stated then, persons seeking grants for road works of the kind referred to were given the opportunity of applying for grants under the Rural Improvements Scheme. Many have in fact so applied and their applications are under consideration.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary appreciate that there is a delay of one and two years in the case of applications under the Rural Improvements Schemes?
That is no longer the case in the Deputy's area. The waiting period for rural improvement schemes is a great deal shorter now than it used be because acceptance of new applications was suspended for some time specifically for this purpose.
What is the usual waiting period now?
It was more than 12 months.
Is there not a close down?
Not at all.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary appreciate that many people must cross the fields on the way to Mass because they cannot travel on the roads in many parts of the country?