asked the Minister for Local Government under what circumstances Midleton Urban District Council, County Cork, would qualify for a grant under the urban road improvement grant scheme.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Midleton (Cork) Road Grants.
88.
Grants for urban road improvements are made annually to Midleton urban district council. The council were notified on 24th March, 1970, of their grant of £484 for 1970-71. The conditions governing the grant are the same for Midleton urban district council as for other authorities who receive such grants.
In effect, the selection of schemes to be undertaken with the aid of the grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the council but the approval of my Department to any scheme selected is required. For reasons which have already been made clear to the Deputy in reply to his earlier question of 25th ultimo the scheme which has already been put forward this year by the council is not acceptable.
In view of the fact that the Minister and his Department appear to be totally misinformed about the situation in Midleton, will the Minister send an officer from his Department to examine the situation at first sight and then reconsider the application made by the urban district council?
I do not accept that there is any need to reconsider the matter. I am advised that the work in question is not of the highest priority in the town. We are concerned about ensuring that whatever money is spent is used to meet the greatest need. We do not feel this is the greatest need in Midleton. If the Deputy would like me to get a further report on it I shall have a look at it and communicate with the Deputy by letter.