§ Mr. AUGUSTINE ROCHEasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that the Road Board refuses to make any grant whatever to the Louth County Council out of the funds at their disposal for the improvement of the roads they prescribe, unless at least an equal sum be contributed proportionately from each rural and urban council; and, if so, will he state under what provision the Road Board exercises such a right?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThe powers of the Road Board under the Development and Road Improvement Funds Act, 1909 (Section 8), enable them to advance, with the approval of the Treasury, the whole or any part of proposed expenditure on road improvement work. The Louth County Council have been informed that in respect of works of the character proposed, namely, strengthening, surfacing, and 769W steam-rolling, the Board are not prepared to grant more than £l,200 as a contribution towards a total expenditure estimated at £2,400. If the county council accept the Grant, and proceed with the proposed work, the balance of the cost not covered by the Grant may be contributed by the county council and the other highway authorities concerned, in such proportions as they may arrange amongst themselves.