asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the very bad condition of many Mayo roads; and if he will take the necessary steps to have the road grants payable from his Department substantially increased so that such roads may be put in a proper state of repair.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mayo Roads.
91.
As indicated in reply to Question No. 41 on 11th November last I am aware of the position in Mayo. The problems peculiar to Mayo and to other counties will be borne in mind when the Road Fund allocations for 1970-71 are being made.
Is the Minister aware that here again there is a shortage-of-money problem? Is he aware that many Mayo roads are now unusable, that people cannot get out of their homes, that doctors and priests have to cross fields on their calls? Is he further aware that this is a very serious matter for people who have traditionally relied on county council employment to implement their meagre incomes from smallholdings? Does he not consider that this is a case for emergency treatment and should he not get on the phone to Mayo County Council, be honest about it and tell them straight that he has not money, that he can do nothing for them, that the people should get out and get out more quickly rather than be trying to cod them as he has been doing?
There is no question of not having money. The income of the Road Fund, the amount of money available to me, increases year after year and the circumstances of County Mayo will be taken into account when the allocation of this year's Road Fund moneys is being made.