asked the Minister for Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the strike by the engineering staff of Cork County Council and the resultant low expenditure rate on road fund grants over the past three months; and if he will guarantee the retention of this money in Cork should it not be fully expended by 31st March, 1974.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cork Road Fund Grants.
54.
I am informed that in present circumstances, expenditure by Cork County Council on their programmes for national roads this year may be less than had been estimated. I should point out that Road Fund grants are not paid until works are actually carried out. I had already indicated to road authorities generally in connection with the allocation of these grants for the current year, that unused grants may be reallocated in a subsequent year according as the progress of the works programme may require. Any reallocation of grants on these lines would not result in such grants being ultimately lost to Cork County Council or any other road authorities; the amounts in question would be payable in following years according as works programmes are brought up to date.
Does that apply to all roads?
Yes.